Tesla Reveals Modifications Made to Its Semi for Europe

Tesla is not giving up on the idea of marketing its electric truck in Europe and has made adjustments to make it homologable.

The grand European event for trucks and utilities took place in Germany, in Hanover, in mid-September 2024. All market players gathered to showcase their creativity, but especially their pivot towards electric or hydrogen solutions. This sector must rapidly decarbonize for ecological and commercial reasons concerning their clients who aim for carbon neutrality (including in their supply chain), but also for economic reasons.

Transporters have understood that the price of diesel will continue to rise, and that electric options could be a lifeline to lower their operating costs. Noise and air pollution, driving comfort, price per kilometer—historically speaking, the trend is leaning towards abandoning diesel.

The Tesla Semi transforms into a hotel

One of the stars of this German show was undoubtedly the Tesla Semi, which everyone claimed was banned from the European market. However, the American manufacturer is not so easily letting go. Admittedly, its long-nosed tractor is not typical for the continent, which prefers straight and short models. This design allows for longer trailers, thus accommodating more goods. But the Tesla Semi is more aerodynamic and therefore efficient. It is up to Europe to adapt its rules in light of the current climate emergency…

In Hanover, it was announced that the Tesla Semi had received its circulation authorization in Europe thanks to necessary adjustments to meet EU legal standards. Externally, changes were noted in the front lights and wheels. Under the bodywork, Tesla claims to have introduced an independent front suspension that, and this is a boon, would allow the Semi to further improve its efficiency in terms of brake regeneration.

Tesla has presumably revised the charge and discharge curves of its batteries to increase final range, still targeting 500 kilometers with a load of 40 tons. Elon Musk has confirmed a consumption of 100 kWh/100 km.

Finally, the European Semi will receive a modified cabin to accommodate a bed, a sine qua non desire of truck drivers for long journeys.

The Semi produced in Germany?

We will not see Tesla Semi trucks on our European roads just yet. The manufacturer is aiming for a debut at the end of 2026 or early 2027. Job offers have been posted in Germany to hire labor, suggesting production at the Berlin site, alongside the Model Y.

This long gestation period, however, leaves the field open for competition such as Mercedes, Volvo, Iveco, or Renault, which are also at the forefront and know their clients perfectly. Who will take the risk, in this very pragmatic world of logistics, of switching to Tesla Semi tractors, for which no one has reliability feedback? Complicated.

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