Tesla Semi Hits Another Delay: Production Pushed to 2026
Tesla has shared a new update on its long-delayed Semi project—and while there’s progress, truckers shouldn’t expect to see electric big rigs rolling out in large numbers just yet.
According to a recent report from Electrek, Tesla announced that construction of its new Semi production facility next to the Gigafactory in Nevada is complete. The company is now focused on installing production lines, aiming for volume manufacturing in 2026.
The Tesla Semi was first unveiled way back in 2017, with initial promises to start production in 2019. However, the program has faced multiple setbacks over the years. Tesla had recently suggested production could ramp up by the end of 2025, but now it’s clear full deliveries won’t happen until well into 2026. This news comes after numerous delays and mishaps, including a recall for brake failure and battery fires after accidents.
Tesla also confirmed they still plan to reach a 50,000-unit annual production capacity once the factory is fully operational. But there’s a catch: the price of the Tesla Semi has reportedly risen “dramatically” since its original announcement. Back in 2017, Tesla listed the Semi at $150,000 for a 300-mile range model and $180,000 for the 500-mile version. Pricing for the current production model, however, has yet to be officially updated—though reports suggest a significant jump.
Watch the Semi Factory Progress Update from Tesla:
What It Means for Truckers
While the Tesla Semi continues to grab headlines, many in the trucking world remain skeptical. Concerns about cost, range, durability, and charging infrastructure are still top of mind for fleets and owner-operators alike.
“Tesla is a decade late to market with a product that clearly was designed in a tech bro vacuum without any input from real drivers and fleet operators. They will be lucky to sell 100 units a year,” wrote one commenter online. “More expensive, less range, and very very late. Nice,” wrote another.
Whether the Tesla Semi will truly revolutionize trucking or remain a niche option is still a big question—but one thing’s for sure: truckers aren’t trading in their diesels anytime soon.
👉 What do you think? Will electric semis really take over the highways—or is this just a pipe dream?
