My First Time Seeing The New Series Production Tesla Semi! Full Tour & Ride w/ Dan Priestley

TL;DR

The new series-production Tesla Semi features major cost, efficiency, and tech upgrades over early prototypes, explained during a ride with Tesla Semi program lead Dan Priestley.

Key Points

• 1.The updated front end is primarily a cost-reduction move. Dan Priestley explains the new three-piece fascia and shared headlight modules from other Tesla products reduce repair costs — replacing one corner instead of the whole fascia after minor impacts.
• 2.The series-production Semi adopts 4680 cells and 48V architecture. The battery pack now shares production lines with other 4680 products like Cybertruck, and the truck gains Etherloop communications and updated stator/inverter components carried over from Cybertruck.
• 3.The Semi has two distinct rear axles with different functions. The torque axle (mid-rear) handles high-power maneuvers with a higher gear ratio; the efficiency axle runs at highway speed. The torque axle clutch-disconnects to eliminate windage drag, engaging seamlessly before the rear axle saturates.
• 4.Two powertrain output levels are offered: 525 kW and 800 kW. Dan confirms the system has even more on-board capability but is tuned toward reliability; the truck can maintain highway speed fully loaded on mountainous terrain.
• 5.Standard and long-range variants differ by a third battery pack and wheelbase length. The long-range has three packs and a longer wheelbase (identifiable by an extra storage door section); standard range weighs under 20,000 lb curb weight, allowing ~48,000 lb payload versus ~45,000 lb for long-range.
• 6.TCO payback versus diesel was under five years for over half the US market at the start of 2025. Dan notes diesel price spikes since then make the case even stronger, and Tesla is continuing to push down truck price and improve efficiency as volume scales.
• 7.Autonomy hardware is already onboard but safety features are the current software priority. The Semi uses the same camera modules and autopilot computer as Tesla's passenger cars; electric steering (replacing the old hydraulic system) enables future lane-centering, but automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning are the immediate focus.
• 8.A 25 kW electric power takeoff (EPTO) standard is being developed for trailer equipment. Running 465V AC (single or three-phase) or up to 680V DC with Ethernet communication, it powers reefer units, tanker pumps, and electro-hydraulic systems; breakaway springs and a new industry-wide connector standard (similar to J3400) are being co-developed so any truck can plug into any compatible trailer.