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Tesla receives a massive order for 370 electric trucks and will now have to prove that the Semi can truly handle heavy transport in California.

Published on 09/05/2026 at 22:51
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WattEV order foresees 370 Tesla Semi trucks, deliveries starting in 2026 and full operation by 2027, in a project aimed at electrifying port and regional cargo transport in California.

Tesla has received one of the largest orders ever announced for the electric Semi truck, in a deal valued at approximately 100 million dollars, about 85 million euros, involving the deployment of 370 vehicles by WattEV in California.

The announcement was made during the ACT Expo in Las Vegas, just days after Tesla reported that the first Tesla Semi rolled off the high-volume production line in Nevada, marking a new stage for the project originally presented in 2017.

The operation foresees the first 50 units being delivered in 2026, while the entire fleet is expected to be fully operational before the end of 2027. More than 300 trucks will be used in partnership with the Port of Oakland to electrify port transport operations and regional freight routes within California.

Tesla expands presence in electric transport

WattEV stated that this will be the largest single deployment of electric trucks in California. The company’s strategy involves not only purchasing the vehicles but also creating an integrated structure with high-power charging stations, leasing, and services aimed at operators interested in electrifying their activities without fully incurring the initial investment costs.

According to the company, one of the main challenges of heavy electric transport is not just the acquisition of trucks, but also all the necessary infrastructure to ensure profitable operations. Therefore, WattEV intends to combine Tesla Semi trucks with its own charging network and new logistics centers.

The company will open truck charging stations at the Port of Oakland and in Fresno at the same time the first units begin operation. The locations will use Tesla’s Megawatt Charging System, which, according to WattEV, can provide up to 480 kilometers of range in approximately 30 minutes of charging.

Infrastructure to be expanded in California

In addition to the new stations, depots in Stockton are expected to open later this year. Construction of another facility in Sacramento is scheduled to begin in 2026, expanding the support structure for Tesla’s electric trucks in the state.

WattEV reported that it already has six operational depots in Southern California, including areas near the Port of Long Beach, San Bernardino, Gardena, Bakersfield, Vernon, and Oxnard. Another 15 locations are in active development to form electric freight corridors between Northern and Central California, with expansion planned later for other regions of the United States.

Salim Youssefzadeh, CEO of WattEV, stated during the event in Las Vegas that the Tesla Semi was chosen after a public request for proposals. According to him, the decision was based on the cost, performance, and availability of Tesla’s electric truck.

Tesla Semi faces biggest operational test

Tesla states that the Long Range version of the Semi has an estimated range of up to 805 kilometers. The manufacturer also reports consumption of 1.7 kWh per kilometer and a charging capacity of up to 1.2 MW.

Specifications also include a Standard Range version with an approximate range of 520 kilometers, three independent motors on the rear axles, power up to 800 kW, and a maximum combined weight of 37,200 kg. Tesla’s electric truck had been produced in low volumes and directed to specific customers, such as PepsiCo.

Reuters reported on April 30, 2026, that the first Tesla Semi rolled off a high-volume production line in Nevada. This advancement was treated as the beginning of a new industrial phase for the truck program.

WattEV’s announcement comes amid regulatory pressure on heavy transport in California, a market considered one of the most demanding in emission reduction. Ports are among the main focuses of electrification due to the environmental impact caused by logistics operations and the intense flow of cargo.

With 370 units planned, the Tesla Semi now faces its biggest operational test since its launch. After years of delays and limited production, Tesla’s electric truck will need to demonstrate availability, reliability, and cost-effectiveness in a large fleet operating in California’s most demanding logistics corridors.

For WattEV, the combination of electric trucks and lower energy costs could alter the financial structure of heavy transport this decade.

The company states that diesel will continue to be a decisive factor in fleet operators’ choices and argues that electric solutions can transport goods more efficiently in certain regional applications.

The agreement also represents one of the largest industrial demonstrations ever announced for the Tesla Semi since its unveiling in 2017. With deliveries expected by the end of 2027, Tesla is now under pressure to meet deadlines, expand production in Nevada, and ensure continuous performance in daily operations related to port and regional freight transport throughout California.

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Fabio Lucas Carvalho

Journalist specializing in a wide variety of topics, such as cars, technology, politics, naval industry, geopolitics, renewable energy, and economics. Active since 2015, with prominent publications on major news portals. My background in Information Technology Management from Faculdade de Petrolina (Facape) adds a unique technical perspective to my analyses and reports. With over 10,000 articles published in renowned outlets, I always aim to provide detailed information and relevant insights for the reader.

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