Tesla Motors has delivered the first electric Semi trucks to its first customer: PepsiCo. Elon Musk introduced the truck in 2017 and promised then that the first deliveries would take place in 2019. Tesla says the Semi has a range of 500 miles.

Tesla Motors held an event at the Nevada plant to deliver the first Semi trucks. The company did not announce the price of the truck, but in 2017 it was reported that the version with a mileage of 500 km will cost from 150 thousand dollars, and with 800 km – from 180 thousand dollars. Since then, car prices have increased significantly.

Musk stated that the Semi is much more powerful than a diesel truck and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 20 seconds. Another promise is that the Semi’s battery can be charged to 70% capacity in 30 minutes at a speed station.

As expected, Musk praised the Semi truck, describing it as “damn”: “the coolest rig on the road.” It is estimated that 100 units will be produced this year, and 50,000 units are expected to be produced in 2024, although it is hard to believe that this is achievable.

Tesla officials say that the Semi passed the test, during which the range exceeded 800 km with a total weight of 36 tons, which included the weight of the truck, as well as the cargo.

Many are skeptical that electric trucks will be successful, given the cost of acquisition and the need to charge them frequently.

Tesla shares have fallen 45% this year, and the company has lost $500 billion in market capitalization to $615 billion.

Sources: Reuters, The Verge