Brian Wang The second-generation (Gen 2) Tesla Semi has new batteries and design improvements like new mirrors for better sight lines and aerodynamics, plus a “drop glass” for easier cargo access. The initial 32 prototype Semis have been produced at Giga Nevada and delivered to priority customers like PepsiCo. The Gen 2 Semi is set to launch in October 2025 with production ramping to 50,000 units annually starting late 2025 through 2026. 4680 Battery and new Powertrain will give 7% higher density It has lower resistance and structural integration for durability/crash resistance. It jas redesigned headlights (with a modern LED light bar), a potential sleeper cab for long-haul comfort. It has improved aerodynamics with a drag coefficient of 0.36, 30% better than diesel trucks. It has a tri-motor powertrain with 7% efficiency gains (various reports of 1.55 kWh/mile even loaded). ABF demo of Tesla Semi ran with efficiency of 1.55kWh/mi https://t.co/3DyM3lqBGg — Dan Priestley (@danWpriestley) July 9, 2025 There are total cost of ownership (TCO) savings: 1.6 kWh/mile at 8.3 cents/kWh equals ~13.3 cents/mile in energy costs versus 44.7 cents/mile for diesel. This gives ~$314,000 in fuel savings over 1 million miles and 15% lower maintenance reductions. The lower maintanance is about $7,500/year saving. Truck companies running 500-mile routes daily get annual energy costs dropping from $67,000 to under $20,000. Infrastructure is emphasized: Tesla’s Megacharger network is expanding. Many customers like PepsiCo’s are building their own charging at their factories or warehouses. Tesla has plans for 46 public 1.2 MW V4 stations by 2027 to support long-haul routes. Information from Tesla Executives on the Gen 2/Production Semi Dan Priestley, Tesla’s Senior Manager for Semi Truck Engineering (X handle: @danWpriestley), provided key updates in his keynote at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo on April 29, 2025. He confirmed no major changes to the production schedule, with high-volume builds starting by the end of 2025 at the expanded Giga Nevada facility and ramp-up in 2026. Priestley highlighted that Tesla’s internal fleet has logged 7.9 million miles, replacing diesel trucks at lower operating costs without schedule disruptions. He emphasized a 25-kW electric power take-off (e-PTO) system for auxiliary functions, a 7.3% efficiency gain in the drivetrain and battery. Brian Wang Brian Wang is a Futurist Thought Leader and a popular Science blogger with 1 million readers per month. His blog Nextbigfuture.com is ranked #1 Science News Blog. It covers many disruptive technology and trends including Space, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Medicine, Anti-aging Biotechnology, and Nanotechnology. Known for identifying cutting edge technologies, he is currently a Co-Founder of a startup and fundraiser for high potential early-stage companies. He is the Head of Research for Allocations for deep technology investments and an Angel Investor at Space Angels. A frequent speaker at corporations, he has been a TEDx speaker, a Singularity University speaker and guest at numerous interviews for radio and podcasts. He is open to public speaking and advising engagements. Categories