The New York Post reported that shares of Tesla increased 5% during Wednesday's early morning trading right as Elon Musk announced that its semi-trucks are up for mass production.
According to Musk, "It's time to go all out and bring the Tesla Semi to volume production. It's been in limited production so far, which has allowed us to improve many aspects of the design."
The industrial designer also said in an internal memo that it is time to bring this to volume production, but did not specify the production's time frame. He noted though that Giga Nevada will play host to the "production of the battery and powertrain."
Tesla's semi-truck
On the company's official website, the Semi is referred to as "the safest, most comfortable truck ever." It consists of four independent motors that offer the best of acceleration and power, and requires the "lowest energy cost per mile."
It has one of the fastest acceleration rates in the world, from 0 to 60 mph in 20 seconds, and it is fully loaded. Drivers also get instant control of the traction with four independent motors.
It's also arguable the safest truck in the industry. The vehicle features the unique enhanced autopilot to be able to avoid collisions. The centered position of the driver offers the best of control and visibility. Meanwhile, the low center of gravity offers rollover protection.
"Every driver is responsible for remaining alert and active when using Autopilot, and must be prepared to take action at any time," the website added.
More developments
Tesla also revealed its plans for an "electrically-charged big-rig hauler" for commercial use in 2017. Administrators in the company said that the truck would produce this with the price tag of around $150,000 for the 300-mile range version. Meanwhile, there will also be a $180,000 vehicle that can travel 500 miles on a single charge.
The semi-truck also saves about $200,000 in fuel over its lifespan. UPS has already reserved 125 vehicles, while PepsiCo has reserved 100.
Musk's Tesla features three automobile models in the showrooms. These include Model X, Model S, and Model 3.
Earlier this year, the company said the Semi will arrive in 2021, as opposed to other sources that said it will be released in 2019. With the developments in this week's announcement, the former is more likely.
Regardless of these details, the reports believe that the Tesla Semi will face competition from another vehicle brand Nikola, which has plans to release both hydrogen and electric big rigs. The email from Musk came out shortly after Nikola Corp. started trading on NASDAQ with share prices doubling. Other competitors include Cummins and Daimler.
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Tesla Semi acceleration sounds like a spaceship entering warp drive @elonmusk https://t.co/DZPzw53x13 pic.twitter.com/bDN7f3qGxN — Viv (@flcnhvy) June 10, 2020
