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The Tesla Semi’s recent Giga 1 sighting highlights its difference from other concept trucks
To say that the Tesla Semi ruffled some feathers when it was unveiled last year is an understatement. Prior to the reveal of all-electric truck, questions were abounding about its viability as an alternative to conventional diesel-powered long-haulers. Even after the Semi’s specs and performance were announced, the vehicle still attracted a lot of skepticism.
During an event for Daimler’s e-Actos electric truck, for example, the company’s Head of Trucks, Martin Daum, noted that Elon Musk’s claims about the Semi’s 300 and 500-mile range are farfetched. Citing limitations in battery tech, Daum stated that “If Tesla really delivers on this promise, we’ll obviously buy two trucks — one to take apart and one to test because if that happens, something has passed us by. But for now, the same laws of physics apply in Germany and in California.” Jon Mills, a spokesman for engine maker Cummins Inc. noted back in August that while electrification is in the future of the trucking industry, the vehicles are not viable in their current state.
Since it was unveiled, the Tesla Semi has been spotted traveling across the United States. Tesla unveiled two working prototypes of the Semi – one painted silver and the other matte black – when it unveiled the vehicle, and so far, both have been spotted testing on US roads. Both trucks were also sighted delivering cargo from Gigafactory 1 in NV to the Fremont factory in CA. Most recently, the silver Tesla Semi was sighted in Gigafactory 1, hauling a trailer and seemingly ready to transport cargo.
Tesla is not the only manufacturer coming up with a zero-emissions truck. As the transport industry starts accelerating its shift towards electrification, even prominent truck companies are coming up with their own green vehicles. Most of these vehicles exist as concepts for now, but they do give an idea of how veteran truckmakers are approaching the industry’s transition to the electric age.
Ford, for one, recently revealed the F-Vision concept, which is loaded to the teeth with cutting-edge tech, including an adaptable windshield that can lower and rise depending on the driver’s preference, as well as front lights that can be fully customized. Last month, Volvo introduced the Vera, its next-generation semi-trailer concept. Unlike Tesla and Ford’s truck, Volvo’s vehicle does not even have a driver’s cabin, as it is designed fully for autonomy. Startup trucking companies are also showcasing their offerings. Nikola Motors, for one, made headlines when it unveiled its long-range sleeper hydrogen-electric truck – the Nikola One – back in December 2016, and the company has since teased its next offering, a day cab called the Nikola Two.
There is little doubt that the upcoming electric truck concepts that have been unveiled so far are exciting vehicles in their own right. Inasmuch as this is the case, though, many of these impressive concepts feature technology that is still yet to be developed or refined. During the F-Vision’s unveiling, for one, Ford clarified that the truck is strictly a concept for now. Volvo’s Vera is a perfect fit for short-haul trips thanks to its 300 kWh battery that gives it a 187-mile range, but the vehicle can’t be deployed anytime soon since self-driving tech is still under development (even autonomous tech leader Waymo is reportedly struggling with its fleet’s real-world testing). Nikola’s hydrogen-electric trucks are powerful and boast long-range, but they would need a network of H2 refilling stations before they can be a viable alternative to diesel trucks. As a result, most zero-emissions truck concepts, including the Nikola One prototype, are yet to be sighted doing real-world tests on public roads.
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- The Volvo Vera. [Credit: Volvo]
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- The Ford F-Vision concept. [Credit: Ford]
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- The Nikola One
This is where the Tesla Semi is different. Among the upcoming electric trucks in the market, the Semi is the one undergoing consistent, intensive real-world testing. The vehicle has been spotted in multiple states since its unveiling, at times even visiting the sites of reservation holders like UPS, J.B. Hunt and PepsiCo. As it conducts its extensive real-world tests, the vehicle undergoes a consistent process of improvement. This was highlighted by Tesla’s Head of Automotive Jerome Guillen during the Q2 2018 earnings call, when he stated that several improvements have already been introduced to the electric truck since it was unveiled last year. Elon Musk even teased on Twitter that the Semi would likely have closer to 600 miles of range per charge. With this, it seems safe to infer that the production version of the Tesla Semi would be better than the prototype that is currently traveling across the country today.
The Tesla Semi balances its features without overdoing it as well. It does not have the cloud-based autonomy of concepts like the Vera or the flashy variable front design of the Ford F-Vision, but ultimately, it does not need to have all these extra bells and whistles to become effective at what it’s designed to do. Tesla created the Semi to be a viable alternative to diesel-powered long-haulers, and if recent sightings and its consistent road tests is any indication, it appears that the vehicle is poised to be exactly that.
The Tesla Semi is expected to start production sometime in 2019. Recent reports have indicated that Tesla is planning on “earnestly” producing the Semi sometime in 2020.
Elon Musk
Elon Musk shares SpaceX’s directive that destroys a prevalent media narrative
Musk’s comments followed Starlink’s initiatives for people affected by severe flooding in Indonesia and Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka.
Elon Musk recently shared SpaceX’s standing policy to offer free Starlink service during natural disasters worldwide, highlighting the company’s commitment to pursue aid over profit during times of need.
Musk’s comments followed Starlink’s initiatives for people affected by severe flooding in Indonesia and Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka.
Starlink activates free service in Indonesia and Sri Lanka
Starlink recently announced free service for those impacted by severe flooding in Indonesia’s Sumatra region, partnering with the government to deploy terminals rapidly to the hardest-hit areas. The offer extends to new and existing customers through December, restoring connectivity in zones where traditional networks have failed due to infrastructure damage.
Musk quoted the post on X, writing, “SpaceX standard policy is to make Starlink free whenever there is a natural disaster somewhere in the world. It would not be right to profit from misfortune.”
Starlink extended the same relief to Sri Lanka amid Cyclone Ditwah, coordinating with local authorities for additional support. The cyclone battered the island nation with heavy rains and winds, disrupting communications for thousands. Free access also lasts until year-end, emphasizing Starlink’s role in bridging gaps during crises.
-->“For those affected by the severe flooding in Indonesia and Sri Lanka in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, Starlink is providing free service to new and existing customers through the end of December 2025. We’re also working with the Indonesian government to rapidly deploy terminals and restore connectivity to the hardest-hit areas on Sumatra, as well as with the Sri Lankan government to provide additional assistance,” Starlink wrote in a post on its official website.
Musk’s companies routinely provide aid
Musk’s firms have a track record of providing critical support in crises, often without fanfare, challenging portrayals of him as a comic book villain intent on enriching himself on the backs of a suffering populace. In January 2024 alone, Tesla opened Superchargers for free in Japan’s Hokuriku region after a magnitude 7.6 earthquake killed at least 55 and injured hundreds.
Similar efforts include Starlink deployments for the 2023 Maui wildfires, 2024 Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, and floods in Texas, where the service was used to help facilitate emergency coordination. These actions, which total millions in waived fees and logistics, demonstrate a proactive ethos among Musk’s companies, with Musk noting in past interviews that such aid stems from engineering solutions over optics.
The initiatives also provide a direct rebuttal of Musk’s characterization on mainstream media, which tends to lean negatively. This has become much more notable in recent years as Musk adopted more conservative policies. These negative sentiments came to a head earlier this year when Tesla stores, vehicles, and even some owners, were attacked during waves of anti-Tesla protests.
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Tesla Cybertruck welcomed with open arms in South Korea
The event featured interactive demos, a light show with the full Tesla lineup, and announcements including FSD Supervised’s planned rollout to Cybertruck by the end of 2025.
Tesla Korea handed over its first 30 Cybertrucks to owners on Thursday during a ceremonial event at the Cultural Reserve Base in Seoul, marking the all-electric pickup truck’s official debut outside North America.
The event featured interactive demos, a light show with the full Tesla lineup, and announcements including FSD Supervised’s planned rollout to Cybertruck by the end of 2025.
A historic delivery event
The November 27 event transformed a former oil reserve warehouse into a symbolic launchpad for electric mobility. Attended by 30 new owners, the event included hands-on activities such as hammer-strike durability tests, accessory sales, a lucky draw, and group photos. It culminated in a synchronized light show featuring the 30 Cybertrucks alongside Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y vehicles, which drew cheers from attendees.
Yvonne Chan, Tesla APAC Regional Director, joined as a special guest to celebrate the delivery milestone. Tesla Korea President Seo Young-deuk was also in attendance, and shared his optimism for the company’s momentum in the country.
“Korea is currently the third-largest market for Tesla sales worldwide, and this year, for the first time, it has achieved the No. 1 spot in imported car brand sales volume, Tesla Korea is growing at an incredibly rapid pace,” he said. “To repay this love from our customers, Tesla plans to continue investing in the Korean market and enhancing the customer experience.”
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Seo announced the official introduction of Full Self-Driving (Supervised) in Korea, with Cybertrucks slated for inclusion by the end of 2025, which promoted applause from the event’s attendees. With even the Cybertruck expected to receive FSD this year, Tesla Korea’s fleet could very well become the country’s most advanced vehicles overnight.
Infrastructure growth remains a priority to support Tesla Korea’s expanding fleet. Tesla Korea’s Supercharger network currently includes 166 sites with 1,133 stalls, with V4 units planned for nationwide highway rest areas to boost long-distance travel. The company also operates seven stores and 15 service centers, though plans are underway to double both by 2027. A new store in Incheon’s Songdo district is scheduled to open by December 2025, enhancing accessibility for western Seoul-area customers.
Seo concluded, “Through all-encompassing investments spanning products, charging infrastructure, and service networks, Tesla Korea will deliver the most refined electric vehicle experience to Korean customers.”
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Tesla China delivery centers packed as Q4 2025 enters its final month
Fresh photos from delivery centers in the country show rows upon rows of Model Ys and Model 3s.
Tesla’s delivery centers in China are filled with vehicles as the company ramps up for its final push in Q4 2025. Fresh photos from delivery centers in the country show rows upon rows of Model Ys and Model 3s, signaling strong end-of-quarter momentum.
A delivery push for Q4 2025
A recent aerial shot from a Tesla delivery center in China captures the company’s efforts to deliver as many vehicles as possible as the year comes to a close. As could be seen in the image, which was posted by on X by Tesla enthusiast Nic Cruz Patane, the facility was filled with numerous Model Y and Model 3 units, each vehicle seemingly ready to be handed over to customers.
Echoing the scene, another post, reportedly from two weeks prior, showed a similar scene in a Shanghai location, which was packed with Model Y units. X user Roberto Nores shared the photo, noting that the image also shows multiple Model Y Ls, a six-seat extended wheelbase version of the popular all-electric crossover.
Towards a strong Q4 finish
China remains Tesla’s volume powerhouse, accounting for a good portion of the company’s global deliveries in recent quarters. That being said, reports did emerge in early November stating that the company only reached 26,006 retail sales during October, as noted in a CNEV Post report. The reasons for this remain to be seen, though a focus on exports could have been a contributing factor.
Tesla China does seem to be hinting at some momentum this November. Just recently, Tesla watchers observed that the order page for the Model Y in China shows a message informing customers that those who wish to guarantee delivery by the end of the year should purchase an inventory unit. This was despite the Model Y RWD and Model Y L showing an estimated delivery timeline of 4-8 weeks, and the Model Y Long Range RWD and Model Y Long Range AWD showing 4-13 weeks.
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Elon Musk shares SpaceX’s directive that destroys a prevalent media narrative
Tesla Cybertruck welcomed with open arms in South Korea
