Tesla announced that it will exhibit the European version of its electric Semi truck at IAA Transportation, the main global commercial vehicle event. This trade show will take place in Hanover, Germany, from September 15 to 20. The company disclosed this information through its social network X, promising to present the technical specifications and launch schedule for the vehicle in the continent during the event.
Although Tesla has confirmed the model's presence, it has not yet provided details on the price, range, or exact date of sales commencement in Europe. This confirmation ends years of uncertainty, given that Tesla had previously displayed a Semi at the same trade show in 2024, without offering information about its arrival in the European market at that time.
In the United States, the commercial Semi comes in two models, both equipped with a three-rear-motor system generating a total of 1,088 hp. The Standard Range version features a 548 kWh battery and offers a range of 523 km. The Long Range version has an extended rear section in the cabin to house extra batteries, reaching up to 822 kWh and covering approximately 805 km with maximum load.
The truck's electric architecture operates at 1,000 volts, allowing charging up to 1,200 kW at the Megacharger. According to Tesla, this recharging capacity restores a large part of the range in about 30 minutes. In the US, the truck is certified for a gross combined weight of 37.2 tons.
It has not yet been determined if both configurations will be available in Europe. Currently, the Tesla website in the UK only shows the data for the Standard Range version. Scaled production is being expanded at the dedicated Semi factory near the Gigafactory Nevada, and the automaker recently hired a business development manager focused on the model's sales in France.
The vehicle's suitability for the European market involves more than just crossing the Atlantic. The European Union establishes strict restrictions regarding total length, axle load, and turning radius. Furthermore, the continental standard requires the cabin to be positioned over the engine, unlike the American design with an elongated hood. Although recent guidelines have created dimensional leeway for aerodynamic electric trucks, Tesla has not yet clarified how it addressed this issue.
In the local competitive landscape, there are models already in production. The MAN eTGX generates between 332 hp and 544 hp, can travel up to 570 km in tractor unit configuration, and supports charging up to 750 kW via the MCS standard. Meanwhile, the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 has a 621 kWh battery, a range of 500 km, and an electric axle that provides 544 continuous hp and 816 peak hp, with megawatt charging capability during tests.