Tesla has unveiled a revamped design for the Tesla Semi that moves the electric Class 8 truck closer to full-scale production. While the most noticeable upgrade is a new headlight bar that now stretches across the front of the cab, contributing to a much sleeker look and echoing the updated lighting signature introduced on the new Model Y, there are also a number of changes “under the hood.”
According to Tesla executive Dan Priestley, the new front end is packed with engineering improvements aimed at lowering costs, boosting performance, and simplifying repairs.
“The new front end, besides having a new look, is packed with improvements — more aerodynamic, simpler to build, easier to repair, [and] leverages more components from the car lineup for better scale/lower cost,” Priestley said on X, adding that Tesla will share more technical details soon.
Tesla says the redesign contributes to higher efficiency, increased payload capacity, and better readiness for autonomous operation — all central goals for the next-generation Semi. Combined with learnings from the pilot fleet currently running routes for PepsiCo and several other companies, the vehicle is shaping up to be far more refined than the original prototype.
Another major update under the hood is related to the battery pack. Tesla also confirmed the Semi will use 4680 battery cells when it enters production, along with Cybercab, which itself enters production in April 2026.
While several companies are testing the Semi, Tesla will also be its own first customer. Priestley revealed that the company plans to use the Semi to electrify its internal supply chain, including operations at Giga Texas. That step should accelerate real-world testing while continuing to demonstrate the Semi’s capabilities to future fleet buyers.
Initial production of the updated Semi is slated to begin at Tesla’s new facility in Nevada before the end of the year, with volume output of 50,000 units per year targeted for the second half of 2026. While Tesla has not provided new pricing or configuration details, the company reiterated that customer deliveries will start next year.
