Tesla Semi spotted in Europe: Preparing for the IAA 2024?
The Tesla Semi, the electric truck from the US manufacturer, is causing a stir with its first sightings in Germany. While the vehicle has been delivered to customers such as PepsiCo in the USA since the end of 2022, there are now signs that it will soon be expanding to Europe. A spotted transport on German roads could indicate that Tesla plans to present the Semi at the IAA Transportation 2024 in Hanover.
The Tesla Semi: First sighting in Germany
Recently a Tesla Semi was recently spotted on a van in North Rhine-Westphalia. Images circulated via social media show the vehicle on its way to Hanover. This suggests that Tesla intends to present the electric truck to potential European customers at the upcoming IAA in September. The IAA Transportation is one of the world's leading trade fairs for transport and logistics, making it the ideal place to launch the Semi in Europe.
Expansion into Europe: job advertisements and market preparations
Tesla is already showing clear signs of establishing the Semi in Europe. For example, the company is looking for a Business Development Manager to build up the truck business in Europe. This position is aimed at developing customer relationships and planning the use of the Semi fleet in various applications. According to the job posting, the manager will work regularly with potential European customers to understand their requirements and operations.
Production expansion and challenges
Despite the triage and market preparations, the Tesla Semi is not expected to be widely available in Europe until 2026. Tesla-CEO Elon Musk explained that production of the Semi in larger quantities could not begin until the end of 2023 at the earliest due to battery bottlenecks. Full series production is scheduled to start in 2025 in a new expansion of the Gigafactory Nevada. For the European market, there is also speculation that the Semi could be produced at Gigafactory Berlin.
Technical data and future prospects
The Tesla Semi was first presented in 2017 and was originally due to be launched in 2019. After several delays, the truck was delivered in the USA at the end of 2022. The Semi offers a range of either 300 or 500 miles (approx. 480 or 800 kilometers) and impresses with a consumption of less than 2 kWh per mile when fully loaded. Thanks to quick-charging functions, the battery can be charged to 70 percent in just 30 minutes. The drive is based on three powerful motors that ensure high efficiency and tractive power.
Conclusion: If the Tesla Semi coming to Europe soon?
The latest sighting of the Tesla Semi in Germany is a clear indication of Tesla's plans to conquer the European market. With its presentation at the IAA 2024, the electric truck could arouse great interest among freight forwarders and logistics companies. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen how Tesla masters the production challenges and whether the European launch will take place in a timely manner. A production launch in Europe could give the Semi a decisive competitive advantage over conventional diesel trucks and further advance the electrification of heavy goods transport.
