Tesla has begun deliveries of its Semi electric truck, nearly a decade after first unveiling the vehicle, opening a mass-production facility outside Reno, Nevada, according to multiple outlets.
Customers including PepsiCo, DHL and U.S. Foods took part in the launch event at the Nevada plant, according to Fox Business. Tesla CEO Elon Musk appeared in a video at the facility launch describing the vehicle as "a revolutionary truck that is capable of carrying the heaviest loads," according to the Washington Examiner.
TechCrunch reported the Semi has a 500-mile range and that Tesla plans to make 50,000 units a year. MarketWatch noted that autonomous trucking represents a potential opportunity for Tesla but that the company's initial targets for the Semi remain unclear.
MarketWatch also reported that Tesla's stock fell as the Semi launch failed to excite investors. The Washington Examiner linked the rollout to diesel price spikes tied to the Iran war, a connection not reported by other outlets.
How each side covered it
Left
- Wired described the launch as a milestone for clean transportation nearly a decade after the Semi was announced.
- Wired noted the Nevada event targeted a niche audience of fleet managers.
“Nearly a Decade Later, the Electric Tesla Semi Is Here” — Wired
Center
- Reuters and TechCrunch reported Tesla began Semi truck deliveries.
- TechCrunch reported a 500-mile range and a planned production rate of 50,000 units a year.
- MarketWatch reported Tesla's stock fell as the launch failed to excite investors and questioned the company's initial targets.
“Tesla's Semi truck, with a 500-mile range, is about to hit the road in big numbers, with the company saying it plans to make 50,000 units a year.” — TechCrunch
Right
- Fox Business and Newsmax reported deliveries have begun after years of delays.
- Fox Business reported PepsiCo, DHL and U.S. Foods took part in the Nevada launch event.
- Washington Examiner quoted Elon Musk calling the truck "a revolutionary truck that is capable of carrying the heaviest loads."
- Washington Examiner linked the rollout to diesel price spikes tied to the Iran war.
“Tesla begins electric semi-truck rollout during Iran war diesel price spikes” — Washington Examiner
Questions readers ask
What happened with the Tesla Semi?
Tesla began delivering its long-delayed electric Semi truck this week, opening a mass-production facility near Reno, Nevada, according to multiple outlets.
Which companies are receiving the first Tesla Semi trucks?
PepsiCo, DHL and U.S. Foods took part in the launch event at the Nevada plant, according to Fox Business.
How far can the Tesla Semi travel and how many will be made?
TechCrunch reported the Semi has a 500-mile range and that Tesla plans to manufacture 50,000 units per year.
How did investors react to the Tesla Semi launch?
MarketWatch reported that Tesla's stock fell as the Semi launch failed to excite investors.
What did left-, center-, and right-leaning outlets focus on?
Left-leaning coverage framed the launch as a potential clean-transportation milestone; center outlets focused on production targets and investor reaction; right-leaning outlets highlighted delivery customers and, in one case, linked the launch to diesel prices amid the Iran war.
Sources · 8 outlet reports
- Ars TechnicaLeft-leaningTesla’s big electric truck faces an even bigger infrastructure challenge
- WiredLeft-leaningNearly a Decade Later, the Electric Tesla Semi Is Here
- MarketWatchCenterTesla’s stock falls as launch of Semi truck fails to excite investors
- ReutersCenterTesla is beginning Semi electric truck deliveries
- TechCrunchCenterTesla finally moves to electrify trucking after a decade of work and delays
- Fox BusinessRight-leaningTesla begins delivering Semi trucks to customers after years of delays
- NewsmaxRight-leaningTesla Is Beginning Semi Electric Truck Deliveries
- Washington ExaminerRight-leaningTesla begins electric semi-truck rollout during Iran war diesel price spikes