Tesla Semi Set for Global Availability

The Tesla Semi will soon be available for purchase worldwide, as announced by Elon Musk on X (formerly known as Twitter). This revelation follows a recent media release from DHL, which highlighted the successful completion of a trial with the Tesla Semi over the summer in North America.

During the trial, the vehicle averaged 1.72 kWh/mile while operating at speeds exceeding 80 km/h for over half of its time on the road. DHL noted that the results "exceeded our expectations and even Tesla’s rating." They confirmed that the Tesla Semi can achieve a range of 500 miles (approximately 800 kilometers) on a single charge while carrying a full load of 34 tonnes. The two-week trial covered 5,000 kilometers under normal duty cycles, starting from Livermore, California, and included a long haul of 625 kilometers to validate its capability to handle typical DHL payloads over extended distances on a single charge.

Jim Monkmeyer, President of Transportation at DHL Supply Chain, remarked, “The Tesla Semi has real potential to disrupt the market and accelerate the much-needed transition to zero-emissions long-haul transport.” A modified version of the Tesla Semi, compliant with EU regulations, was showcased at IAA Transportation in Hannover last month.

Graham Carroll, Head of Business Development for the Tesla Semi, emphasized the importance of maximizing range and efficiency to demonstrate that electric vehicles can perform comparably to diesel trucks. "We’re excited to see DHL confirm the benefits of the Semi’s advanced technology and driver-centric features in live commercial operations," he said.

The trial also provided DHL with valuable feedback from drivers, who reported quickly gaining confidence in the vehicle and utilizing its smart features to enhance performance, comfort, and overall driving experience. Following this successful trial, DHL Supply Chain USA is now carefully planning how to integrate battery-electric trucks into its network, as Tesla prepares for large-scale production of the Semi in 2026.

In related news, last year the Australian Government announced an increase in the maximum width of trucks by 50mm to 2.55 meters, provided that vehicles are equipped with advanced safety systems. Previously, this width limitation posed a challenge for Musk as he explored potential entry into the Australian market.