Currently: Tesla shows the Semi for the second time at a trade show in Hannover, Long Range version possible for Europe
Images: teslamag.de
The scenes are similar: At the previous IAA Transportation in 2024, Tesla unveiled its Semi for the first time in Europe, and it is once again on display at this year’s version of the commercial vehicle exhibition in Hannover. However, while the focus previously was mainly on gauging interest in Europe, this year it has become more concrete: Ahead of the exhibition, Tesla released initial technical specifications for the European Semi version and announced that deliveries are set to begin in 2027.
Tesla Semi for EU in Standard Version
The Tesla Semi will be available at the IAA Transportation 2026 in Hall 12, just as it was two years ago near the VW Commercial Vehicles booth. The exhibition officially opens on Tuesday, but media representatives and other exhibitors were able to take a look at the exhibits in advance on Monday. The Tesla booth was already busy early in the morning. In Halls 14/15, Tesla offers ride-sharing services on its trucks along with other manufacturers, but according to staff, all press slots for the day were already booked.
Tesla revealed some details about the Europa Semi at the end of last week. The information confirmed that initially only the smaller of the two U.S. versions of the truck is planned for export. Tesla cited a weight of under 9.1 tons — the same figure specified in the U.S. for the Semi’s “Standard Range” version. The estimated EU range of 550 kilometers is also close to the U.S. value.
Euro-Semi with Cameras Instead of Mirrors
On Monday, a Tesla employee at the booth confirmed that the Semi for Europe corresponds to the standard version used in the U.S. Due to its smaller and lighter battery, more weight remains available for cargo compared to the usual 40-ton maximum weight limit. Tesla’s decision to start in Europe with this version is the result of previous market research. The range of the Long-Range Semi in the U.S. is stated at 804 kilometers. In Europe, such a high value isn’t necessary due to regulations regarding breaks for truck drivers, the employee said. Nonetheless, nothing prevents the Long-Range version from being introduced later as well.
A unique feature of the European Semi is that it lacks traditional side mirrors, having only slim mounts for cameras on the left and right; here, EU regulations seem less restrictive than in other automotive areas such as Tesla’s FSD Supervised assistance system. Additionally, the electric semi-truck has two separate headlights in front instead of a continuous light bar, also due to regulatory reasons according to the employee. And only in Europe are covers provided to prevent contact with the wheels on the two driven axles.
Tesla Semi-Trucks Still in the USA by 2026
For Tuesday, as in 2024, a keynote speech by Dan Priestley, head of Tesla’s truck program, was scheduled this time under the title “Semi is coming.” While he indirectly ruled out a European launch before 2026 two years ago, Priestley is likely to confirm this year that the Semi will be delivered to customers in Europe next year. Tesla’s U.S. website announces deliveries still this year, which could begin on September 24 with a “rollout event” for the Semi at its factory in Nevada.