During the Q2 2021 Earnings Call Update Letter released in late July, Tesla revealed that the Semi program would be delayed once again due to battery cell constraints and supply chain bottlenecks. However, developments regarding the Semi’s charging system still move forward, and one document from Ideanomics subsidiary WAVE proposes an extreme fast-charging system that would provide speeds of 500 kW and 1 MW. It would be void of cables, wires, and implanted directly into the roadway, providing power without having to plug in.
WAVE, an acronym for Wireless Advanced Vehicle Electrification, is owned by NASDAQ-listed company Ideanomics. WAVE develops high-power inductive charging solutions, but not for things like cell phones. They develop these charging systems for medium and heavy-duty vehicles, and the Tesla Semi may be one of the first vehicles to utilize the technology.
In the document, WAVE shares that extreme fast-charging systems are a sub-category of the company’s primary 250 kW business. However, it aims to develop 500 kW and 1 MW-capable wireless electric vehicle chargers for large-scale commercial vehicles using a primary coil embedded in the roadway and a receiving coil within the truck. Power would then be transferred using magnetic fields that are created by using a resonant inverter to create high-frequency AC currents to energize a charging coil. The energy from the coil underground would transmit energy to the truck, providing a charge without plugging in.
The Tesla Semi visits Yandell Truckaway. (Photo: Arash Malek)
WAVE specifically mentions the strengths of the system and how it could benefit the Tesla Semi, in particular. The document states:
“The current state-of-the-art drayage truck charging features primarily conductive chargers. The recently announced Tesla Semi concept design has the largest advertised range of 500 miles with a target 80% charge in 30 minutes. The battery pack is estimated to be at least 800 kWh (likely much higher to cover full load and all conditions) and must have a target charge rate of at approximately 1.5 MW. The system under development via the US DOE contract of charging an electric drayage truck at extreme fast-charging power levels will be the fastest charger by a significant margin.”
$IDEX The WAVE W-XFC is mentioned here with the advanced battery pack for the Tesla Semi as an example
-This very high power wireless charging system, COUPLED w/ AN ADVANCED BATTERY PACK that supports high rate charging will allow MD/HD trucks/buses to be charged in 20-30 minutes pic.twitter.com/yPtuD0VhyM— Konahuanui Investments (@konahuanui) August 6, 2021
This will be possible through WAVE’s recently-developed wireless charging system that can transfer up to 250 kW for bus charging at a distance of 250 millimeters, or 10 inches. “This is achieved by using a scalable modular approach. For this project, WAVE will increase the power level to 500 kW.”
WAVE can achieve the increased power level by increasing the power rating and density of the electronics and the coil design. Uses for the idea can be applied to “a number of urban applications,” and WAVE indicates that it won’t be a technology exclusive to Class 8 vehicles.
Tesla has been developing the Megacharger for the Semi for several years and has achieved some impressive specs ahead of the vehicle’s release. In 2017 at the Semi’s unveiling event, CEO Elon Musk said that Tesla would install a global network of solar-powered Megachargers that could provide 400 miles of range in just 30 minutes. An output of over 1 MW would make this possible, but to avoid potential dangers due to high energy output, Tesla filed for liquid-cooled charging connectors. Tesla uses something similar in its V3 Superchargers.
Yesterday, WAVE was awarded a contract to develop wireless inductive charging solutions by government organization Sourcewell.
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The Tesla Semi was spotted mounted with ground truth validation equipment as the company nears its looming launch. The Semi is Tesla’s Class 8 all-electric truck, and has been utilized in its earlier stages by many companies like PepsiCo. and Frito-Lay, who have been using it in a pilot program.
The Semi was spotted in Sunnyvale, California, and sports a typical ground truth validation unit that Tesla routinely uses on its vehicles. Ground truth validation is essentially the process of training supervised algorithms to ensure they can perform reliably. Tesla typically performs this on vehicles that are being released soon:
Spotted the new semi adorned with ground truthing equipment. Haven’t seen anyone post this so figured I’d share.
The future is autonomous!!@SawyerMerritt @wholemars pic.twitter.com/qkPDHPUQZ6
— Danny (@dannywinner1) June 21, 2026
The Semi being spotted with this type of validation rig is important because it means the company is working on solidifying a Full Self-Driving model for its commercial vehicle offering. This would be a massive development for not only Tesla but also the logistics industry as a whole.
There are strict regulations on driving hours for commercial truck drivers, and autonomy is a way to potentially combat these issues. FSD is already a widely effective way that owners of typical passenger vehicles take stress out of travel. Even launching a semi-autonomous platform for truck drivers to use to increase safety, reduce fatigue, and increase productivity would be a huge development.
Tesla Semi gets strange-but-understandable comparison from Jay Leno
The Semi has already proven to be an ideal solution for companies that use commercial logistics. It has increased efficiency and reduced operating costs for many companies that have been able to use it in pilot programs.
There are expected to be some bumps along the way. Tesla saw some challenges with FSD on the Cybertruck, as it had never had a vehicle with cameras at that height, so some of the features with FSD were not immediately available. Just a week ago, Tesla launched Actually Smart Summon (ASS) for Cybertruck, nearly three years after the vehicle was first delivered to customers.
President Donald Trump unveiled an upgraded Boeing 747-8 at Joint Base Andrews on June 19, 2026, describing the Qatar-gifted aircraft as an interim Air Force One equipped with advanced communications systems, including Starlink, Elon Musk’s SpaceX satellite internet service.
The plane, valued at around $400 million and modified for presidential use, serves as a bridge until the delayed VC-25B replacements arrive. Trump highlighted its luxury features and new technology during remarks to service members.
Trump stated:
“We have communication equipment up there that nobody’s ever seen before. It’s the highest level and, uh, including Starlink. My friend Elon is going to be very happy, but, uh, Starlink and we have, uh, four or five different sets of double and triple communications like people haven’t seen.”
He added:
“And it represents what can happen with hard work, innovation, and aggressive timelines because we did this quickly and yet there’s never been communication like is on this plane.”
🚨 President Trump confirmed today that the new Air Force One is equipped with Starlink:
“We have communication equipment up there that nobody’s ever seen before, it’s the highest level and including Starlink…my friend Elon is going to be very happy.” pic.twitter.com/IhkDmtr5hL
— TESLARATI (@Teslarati) June 20, 2026
The aircraft features a redesigned red, white, and blue livery and has been outfitted with Starlink satellite connectivity alongside other secure systems.
Trump praised the plane’s uniqueness, calling it among the world’s most luxurious. The gift from Qatar and subsequent modifications have drawn attention, with the jet positioned as a solution for presidential travel. It is expected to support operations, including potential ceremonial roles such as Fourth of July flyovers.
The event marked the formal introduction of the converted jet, which will help maintain capabilities while the primary Air Force One fleet undergoes modernization. Defense observers note the inclusion of commercial satellite technology like Starlink as part of efforts to ensure resilient communications, crucial to keep the country running as the President is in the sky.
President Trump’s comments underscored appreciation for rapid upgrades and innovation in equipping the aircraft. The plane remains a U.S. government asset and is slated for eventual transfer related to presidential library purposes after its service.
Tesla just gave what is perhaps its biggest signal yet that the launch of the Cybercab, its autonomous ride-hailing-geared car, is imminent.
The Cybercab has been spotted outside of Gigafactory Texas in massive numbers over the past few days, with hundreds of units being stored on property just days after the vehicle received a Certificate of Conformity from the EPA.
Today, things were a bit different.
Cybercabs spotted on Giga Texas property today had an addition: a Cybercab decal on the side, reminiscent of the “Robotaxi” ones that were placed on Model Ys just as the company launched its ride-sharing platform about a year ago.
Giga Texas drone operator Joe Tegtmeyer noticed the change today:
Tesla Cybercabs are now getting “Cybercab” logos on the side of them!
Tesla did the same with Model Ys that were given “Robotaxi” logos: https://t.co/DanANtw1m7 pic.twitter.com/FqOhH0S9Ks
— TESLARATI (@Teslarati) June 19, 2026
Tesla could be signaling that the Cybercab is preparing to enter the Robotaxi fleet in the coming weeks or months with this move. It seems more symbolic than anything; Tesla is ready to throw Cybercabs in the ride-hailing platform just as it did with Model Ys last year.
The addition of the Certificate of Conformity awarded to the Cybercab is another major factor working to Tesla’s advantage. The company now has permission from the EPA to allow the vehicle to operate on public roads and enter the chain of commerce. It’s officially street legal.
Tesla Cybercab specs revealed: range, curb weight, range ratings, and more
The big question that remains is whether Tesla will be able to operate the car without a safety monitor, especially considering it plans to put the car out there without a steering wheel or pedals. With the Cybercab only having a seating capacity of two, it is hard to believe Tesla will even consider putting a Safety Monitor in the car.
It did recently self-certify as Level 4 and has the ability to operate driverless vehicles in the State of Texas under a law that took effect on May 28. You can read more about that here:
Tesla’s Robotaxi dreams just took a massive step toward reality
We’d imagine Cybercabs will be on the roads as soon as July, but August will likely be a better estimate of when the car will be entered into the Cybercab fleet. It all depends at where Tesla is, as they’ve truly prioritized safety with the rollout of the Robotaxi platform.
Tesla Semi spotted with ground truth validation equipment as launch looms
President Trump touts new Air Force One with Musk technology
