Tesla unveils the specifications of its Semi truck for the European market

Tesla has recently published the performance data for its Semi truck for the European market, and it has done so just before the prestigious IAA Transportation trade fair gets underway. The figures released by the company essentially match the smaller-battery American version, with up to 800 kW of power, around 550 kilometres of range and a relatively high payload. In addition, Tesla has taken the opportunity to announce its intention to have its own charging network for trucks on the continent.

Tesla Germany GmbH was responsible for revealing the specifications of the European Semi, simultaneously opening a dedicated website, available in several languages. Deliveries to European fleets will begin in 2027, although it is not known which countries will get priority. The company has also confirmed the creation of Semi service centres and certified workshops.

Initially, the version of the Tesla Semi we will see in Europe will be the standard-range one. However, the possibility that the extended-range version of up to 800 km could also reach Europe in the future should not be ruled out, although for the moment this is not confirmed. Tesla presents its Semi truck as a versatile, efficient and powerful vehicle for both regional and long-haul journeys.

As you probably already know, the Semi’s cab stands out for its central driving position, which, according to the brand, improves visibility. There is enough height to stand up, a coat hook and a heated seat. Acoustic glass and insulating materials reduce road noise.

The Semi’s European powertrain replicates that of the American version, with three independent motors on the rear axles and a combined power output of up to 800 kW. Tesla emphasises the instant torque and the ability to deliver a lot of power at any speed, which is useful when merging onto a motorway.

For the time being, Tesla has not given specific data on the battery, but the European Semi supports 800 kW DC charging. In this way, in just half an hour it is possible to recover 60 per cent of the energy. Everything points to it using the same 548 kWh battery with 4680 cylindrical cells of NCMA chemistry manufactured by Tesla in Nevada, the plant from which all Semis leave, both for the American market and for the rest of the world.

More alike than we imagined

The only relevant differences between the European and North American Semi are range and consumption. Europe is quoted at 550 kilometres and 1.0 kWh/km, while in the United States it is around 523 kilometres and the equivalent of 1.1 kWh/km. The explanation lies in weight and speed limits: 40 tonnes and 80–90 km/h on European motorways compared with 36.3 tonnes and the higher speeds common in the United States.

Tesla clarifies that these figures are estimates at a gross weight of 40 tonnes, at 80 km/h, with an ambient temperature of 20 °C and on a flat road. Actual consumption will, however, depend largely on the tyres, the roof deflector and the trailer configuration. We will therefore have to wait for the first deliveries to see how it performs with standard European semi-trailers.

Fast charging is the other major argument in favour of the Semi. Tesla states that its electric truck is designed to recover a significant part of its energy during a short stop at its Megacharger network of up to 800 kW, so that the trucks remain productive. The company has also explained that there will be 120 kW Basechargers with CCS connectors for overnight or depot charging, capable of increasing range by up to 60 per cent in four hours.