Tesla's CEO Elon Musk announced via Twitter that the production of the automaker's long-awaited semi-truck has finally started. According to Musk, Tesla will begin deliveries of the semi-truck as early as December 1.
Tesla's Electric Semi Truck Finally in Production After Several Delays
Musk first announced Tesla's semi-truck in 2017. Manufacturing of the vehicle was slated to start in 2019. However, it was postponed, and in 2020, the company's CEO told employees that the semi-truck was already in limited production, as per Engadget.
In addition, Musk told its employees that it was "time to go all out and bring the Tesla Semi to volume production." However, it was announced in April of 2020 that the deliveries of the vehicles were delayed again to 2021.
But we didn't see the semi-truck in 2021. Now, finally, after a couple of delays, Musk said that Tesla has begun the production of the long-waited vehicle.
In an earning call, Musk said that the delay of the vehicle was due to the global supply chain shortages. The said shortages are impacting the tech and auto industries.
In addition, the delay can be blamed to the limited production capability of the semi-trucks 4680 style battery cells.
While, the Tesla's CEO didn't exactly say that the company has addressed the component shortage issues for the semi-truck, the fact that Tesla has started the production of the vehicle indicates that the company has enough components already.
After the problems on the shortages of global supply chain and limited availability of battery cells, it seems that Tesla is indeed prepared to make the first deliveries of semi-truck in December.
According to Tech Times, in August, Musk hinted that the automaker company will start making semi-truck deliveries in late 2022. Now, it seems that there would be no more delays.
Read Also: Tesla Semi Truck Release Date Delayed: Elon Musk Confirms 'Cell-Constrained' Issue
Pepsi Will Get the First Semi-Truck Deliveries, Musk Says
According to a report by Reuters, Pepsi will get the first deliveries of the semi-truck on December 1. Musk himself made the announcement via Twitter.
It can be recalled that as early as 2017, when Tesla announced that it will be producing the electric semi-truck, Pepsi already made 100 reservations of the electric vehicle. This is part of the company's move to reduce fuel costs and fleet emissions.
According Pepsi's head Ramon Laguarta, the company's transportation accounted to 10% of the of its gas emissions.
Pepsi had already previously stated that the semi-trucks will be used to transports snack foods and beverages between manufacturing and distribution centers. Likewise, the vehicles will be used to ship products to retailers.
In addition to Pepsi, various firms already placed orders for the Tesla's semi-truck. A report from TechCrunch confirmed that giant retailer Walmart, logistics company UPS and Anheuser-Busch have also placed their reservations.
Reservation for the semi-track was made open to more customers in May this year. Customers just have to pay $20,000. The price of a semi-truck ranges between $150,000 and $180,000. The vehicle is said to be capable of going up to 500 miles on a single charge.
Related Article: Elon Musk Confirms Tesla Semi Truck Release This Year, Cybertruck for Next Year
