Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Want to Reserve a Tesla Semi? Get Out Your Wallet

Nearly five years after Elon Musk introduced his electric Class 8 Tesla Semi in a flashy launch event, Tesla has started taking deposits for the truck, at $20,000 each.

May 18, 2022
Want to Reserve a Tesla Semi? Get Out Your Wallet

It's still unclear when the Tesla Semi electric Class 8 truck will actually start production.

Photo: Tesla

2 min to read


Nearly five years after Elon Musk introduced his electric Class 8 Tesla Semi in a flashy launch event, Tesla has started taking deposits for the truck, at $20,000 each.

However, potential buyers still don’t know when they will actually get their trucks. According to published reports, the Semi won’t be released this year, and it could be next year or later.

Ad Loading...

The Semi has seen a string of delays since the Semi was unveiled in 2017; at that time, it had a projected date of 2019 for availability. Last fall, supply-chain problems caused Tesla to once again push out the estimated date for production. Most recent indications were 2023 would be the earliest.

According to the Tesla website, Semi reservations require an initial $5,000 credit card payment. A $15,000 wire transfer payment is required for the first Tesla Semi, plus a $20,000 wire transfer for each additional Tesla Semi. Wire transfers are due within 10 days.

Those deposits presumably will be applied toward the Tesla selling price. In 2017, the company posted prices at $150,000 on its Standard variant, and $180,000 for its extended-range version.

Among the companies that previously said they had placed orders were Albertson’s, Anheuser-Busch, Golden State Foods, J.B. Hunt, PepsiCo, Pride Group, Schneider, UPS, and Walmart.

Tesla was noticeably absent at last week’s Advanced Clean Transportation Expo in Long Beach, California, while attendees waited in long lines for a ride-and-drive of Nikola Tre electric trucks, the new Freightliner eCascadia, Hyundai’s fuel-cell electric, and other zero-emissions commercial vehicles.

More Fuel Smarts

SponsoredFebruary 1, 2026

Stop Watching Footage, Start Driving Results

6 intelligent dashcam tactics to improve safety and boost ROI

Read More →
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeJanuary 29, 2026

California: Clean Truck Check Rules Still in Force for Out-of-State Trucks, Despite EPA Disapproval

The Environmental Protection Agency said California can’t enforce its Heavy-Duty Inspection and Maintenance Regulation, known as Clean Truck Check, on vehicles registered outside the state. But California said it will keep enforcing the rule.

Read More →
Illustration of Department of Justice building superimposed by truck exhaust stacks
Fuel SmartsJanuary 27, 2026

Justice Department Pulls Back on Criminal Prosecution of Diesel Emissions Deletes

The Trump administration has announced it will no longer criminally prosecute “diesel delete” cases of truck owners altering emissions systems in violation of EPA regulations. What does that mean for heavy-duty fleets?

Read More →
Ad Loading...
HDT Spotlight video on natural gas truck engines.
Fuel Smartsby Jack RobertsJanuary 26, 2026

Why the Cummins X15N Changed the Conversation About Natural Gas Trucking

Natural gas is quietly building a reputation as a clean, affordable, and reliable alternative fuel for long-haul trucks. And Ian MacDonald with Hexagon Agility says the Cummins X15N is a big reason why.

Read More →
Blue Tesla Semi pulling flatbed trailer inside warehouse or manufacturing facility
Fuel SmartsJanuary 21, 2026

First Tesla Semi for RoadOne IntermodaLogistics

RoadOne IntermodaLogistics has bought a fully electric Tesla Semi heavy-duty truck, the first of up to 10 for its Oakland, California, operations.

Read More →
Mercedes-Benz eActros trucks.
Fuel SmartsJanuary 20, 2026

Mercedes-Benz Initiates Megawatt Charging and Long-Haul EV Truck Trials

Mercedes-Benz has begun a new series of tests in Europe to validate vehicle compatibility with megawatt chargers and assess charging performance, thermal management, and usability on long-haul duty routes.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Windrose-Greenlane truck charging bundle.
Fuel SmartsJanuary 20, 2026

Windrose Bundles Free EV Truck Charging with Greenlane Infrastructure

Windrose customers will receive unlimited charging for three months on Greenlane’s high-power charging network.

Read More →
SponsoredJanuary 19, 2026

3 New Ways Fleet Software Pays: ROI opportunities for modern fleet managers

Safety, uptime, and insurance costs directly impact profitability. This eBook looks at how fleet software is evolving to deliver real ROI through proactive maintenance, AI-powered video telematics, and real-time driver coaching. Learn how fleets are reducing crashes, defending claims, and using integrated data to make smarter operational decisions.

Read More →
SponsoredJanuary 19, 2026

Basic Tracking vs Next Generation Fleet Technology

Fleet software is getting more sophisticated and effective than ever, tying big data models together to transform maintenance, safety, and the value of your existing tech stack. Fleet technology upgrades are undoubtedly an investment, but updated technology can offer a much higher return. Read how upgrading your fleet technology can increase the return on your investment.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeDecember 22, 2025

From Truck APUs to Intelligent Engines: NACFE Updates Idle Reduction Report

Idle reduction for heavy-duty trucks has come a long way. An updated playbook from the North American Council for Freight Efficiency explains what technologies deliver results today — and what’s coming next.

Read More →