Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Tesla Delays Electric Truck Launch Again

Tesla founder Elon Musk said the company was pushing back the launch of its electric truck in order to help stabilize the power grid in Puerto Rico in the wake of Hurricane Irma.

by Staff
October 9, 2017
Tesla Delays Electric Truck Launch Again

Telsa has opted to move the launch of its electric truck back two weeks in order to focus on fixing Model 3 production issues and assist with power grid repair efforts in Puerto Rico. Image via Tesla

2 min to read


Telsa has opted to move the launch of its electric truck back two weeks in order to focus on fixing Model 3 production issues and assist with power grid repair efforts in Puerto Rico.Image via Tesla

Tesla chief executive officer Elon Musk announced on Twitter late last week that the company was pushing back the launch of its new electric truck from Oct. 26 to Nov. 16. as it focuses on meeting production demands for its Model 3 sedan and assisting with recovery efforts in Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, according to a report by

The delay was caused by Tesla focusing on meeting production demands for its Model 3 sedan and assisting with recovery efforts in Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, according to a report by Electrek, a magazine covering the North American electric vehicle market.

Ad Loading...

Tesla is apparently working on correcting production “bottlenecks” that held Model 3 production to only 260 units in September bottlenecks”. Additionally, Musk said on Twitter that Tesla will “increase battery production for Puerto Rico & other affected areas.”

Electrek also reported that Musk and the governor of Puerto Rico, Ricardo Rossello have talked about ways for Tesla Energy to help rebuild the power grid destroyed by the two hurricanes that recently hit the Caribbean. Per reports, Musk was talking about a scalable energy storage and solar power solution with the governor on Twitter.

Tesla Semi unveil now Nov 16. Diverting resources to fix Model 3 bottlenecks & increase battery production for Puerto Rico & other affected areas.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 6, 2017

Ad Loading...

In an official statement released by Tesla, the company offered to refund any airfares already purchased for the Oct. 26 event and said, “The first Tesla Truck prototype is completed, but we’re going to push the unveiling event to Nov. 16 so we can devote resources to fixing Model 3 bottlenecks and increasing battery production for Puerto Rico and other affected areas.

"If this delay causes any non-refundable or non-changeable travel expenses, please send invoices for travel booked prior to this communication to ReferralSupport@tesla.com and we’ll take care of those for you. We look forward to hosting you in Hawthorne on Nov. 16.”

More Fuel Smarts

Photo of electric OrangeEV terminal tractor with a Lazer Logistics trailer
Equipment•by Staff•October 6, 2026

Electric Yard Tractors Move Beyond Pilots

Operating-cost savings have overtaken sustainability goals as the leading reason surveyed fleets are adopting battery-electric terminal tractors, according to new NACFE research.

Read More →
Illustration of map with GPS markers overlaid with Geotab fleet card and a fuel pump nozzle
Fuel Smarts•by Staff•October 2, 2026

Geotab Links Fleet Card to Vehicle Data

The new card combines fuel discounts with telematics-based purchase controls. Geotab’s analysis also points to potential savings from choosing lower-priced fuel stops.

Read More →
White Tesla Semi electric truck on display on a show floor
Equipment•by Staff•September 30, 2026

Fleet Economics Shape Electric Truck Outlook

ACT Research expects costs, charging infrastructure, and technology improvements to drive zero-emission commercial vehicle adoption as federal regulations and incentives retreat.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Male truck driver in flannel shirt by truck using his smartphone
Fuel Smarts•by News/Media Release•September 23, 2026

Wex Adds Cardless Fuel Payments for Over-the-Road Customers

A new fuel card feature for Wex customers offers convenience and security.

Read More →
Fuel Smarts•by Staff•September 21, 2026

New California Law Could Shed Light on Electric Truck Prices

Why do battery-electric Class 8 trucks remain so expensive? A California bill signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom would give fleets and state agencies more visibility into what manufacturers charge.

Read More →
Video still of Volvo's Duane Tegels explaining the Volvo D13 diesel engine for EPA 2027 emissions
Equipment•by Deborah Lockridge•September 16, 2026

How Volvo Updated Its D13 for EPA 2027 [Watch]

Volvo’s updated D13 promises lower emissions without sacrificing performance or fuel economy. Take a closer look at what changed inside the engine in this HDT Spotlight video.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Collage of fuel options for trucks - renewable diesel, renewable natural gas, diesel, and electric
Fuel Smarts•by Staff•September 15, 2026

Diesel Price Spike Shortens Payback for Natural Gas Trucks, Report Says

Energy Vision estimates fleets could recover the higher purchase price of an RNG-fueled Class 8 tractor in 1.3 to 2.8 years under current fuel-price scenarios.

Read More →
Illustration showing the Calstart, Forth, and Catalyst Mobility logos
Fuel Smarts•by Staff•September 14, 2026

Calstart Becomes Catalyst Mobility, Reflecting Broader Focus

Calstart is now Catalyst Mobility, reflecting the nonprofit’s growing national role in clean transportation, including zero-emission trucks, infrastructure and incentive programs.

Read More →
Illustration with oil wells, dollar bills, and a diesel fuel pump
Fuel Smarts•September 9, 2026

Record Diesel Prices Squeeze Trucking Fleets

Average U.S. diesel prices have climbed to nearly $6 a gallon, surpassing the 2022 record as tight refinery capacity and Middle East disruptions keep fuel costs elevated.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Port of Newark EV truck charging station.
Equipment•by News/Media Release•September 8, 2026

East Coast Port Launches $45M Electric Truck Push

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced millions in incentives for zero-emission drayage trucks, yard tractors, and new charging hubs near the port.

Read More →