Tesla opens Nevada Semi plant targeting 50,000 trucks

Tesla opened the doors to its new Semi factory in Sparks, Nevada, on Sept. 24. The 1.7 million-square-foot plant is designed to eventually build up to 50,000 Semis a year, following the completion of the first high-volume line truck in late April.

The company is quoting customers $290,000 for the 500-mile Long Range model, which is about 60% above the $180,000 advertised in 2017, according to Electrek. Based on California incentive program data, the 325-mile Standard Range version costs around $260,000.

Ahead of the event, shipping alliance ZET SCALE selected Tesla as the primary manufacturer for an order of 2,500 battery-electric Class 8 trucks on Sept. 22. Dan Priestley, director of the Tesla Semi program, previously stated that the company expects to build many thousands of units by the end of 2026.

Tesla also showcased a European-spec Semi with up to 550 kilometres of range at the IAA Transportation show in Hannover on Sept. 15, targeting deliveries in late 2027. The opening follows the unveiling of the Cybercab robotaxi earlier this month and precedes the second-generation Roadster reveal set for Oct. 1.