Tesla Space #43: ⚡ Tesla Semi 100% ready for Europe, and sleeper cab plans

TESLA SEMI NOW READY TO GO IN EUROPE

Oh man, this has been a crazy ride — both literally and figuratively. Here’s everything I’ve learned over the past couple of days. We’ll also make deeper dive into Semi on video, likely the one this weekend.

Now, if you haven’t met me yet — this is me

I happened to become one of the five first “regular” people to ever ride in the Tesla Semi. We weren’t allowed to film the ride, only some pictures. But I do have videos on the stationary details.

Before the big news, here’s a bit of a backstory:

Tesla brought two Semis over from the US, made some small changes, and now showed them here in Europe, on IAA Transportation show in Germany. One was on the show floor, the other one sitting in the test drive garages:

The Tesla Semi acceleration drive units were also showcased:

Now, this is the biggest of the news I learned from two separate members of the Tesla team:

Tesla Semi is already fully ready for European roads as it is now

You might’ve noticed the trucks in Europe are… boxy, compared to the US trucks. That actually comes from the regulation for length, and thus the truck makers need to basically “stack the people on top of the engine”. Tesla Semi doesn’t fit in that image.

Now, I’ve learned that yes, the different-than-others cab fits the European regulations. Tesla Semi team says they only had to make a bunch of minor changes to details (modify wheel covers etc).

This comes as some new EU regulation change allows for a longer cab if the aerodynamics of the cab are better. I haven’t been able to confirm if there were any changes in width (I believe the Semi is 2.6m, while regulation is for 2.55m).

The team has previously told me they designed the Tesla Semi with international markets in mind from the start. Considering how little they had to change, it now shows.

Note that does not mean Semi will enter European markets right now. Tesla is focusing on North America and ramping up first, that’s what they confirmed for me. But if Tesla wanted, Semi could drive in Europe right now, as it is, today!

Tesla Semi has already ‘saved space’ for the sleeper cab version!

The team, again on two separate occasions (I try and verify everything), told me that they have a space “saved” for the sleeper version with a metal frame behind the cab.

Naturally, I decided to climb up there from the outside and looked (I asked permission, of course) — it is clearly visible on my video here:

I personally would assume Tesla will launch this version once the new Semi factory is up and running, but 🤷 . Still good to know they’re keeping it in mind with all the design already today. I also measured the depth of the frame, but couldn’t do the wide side before another team member told me to get off…

What else I learned:

• The Tesla Semi driver said they have developed an independent front suspension, and showed me the regen was strong enough to not need brakes through our short ride.

• He called this version of Semi "European Development Platform

• The ride was smooth as heck

• The visibility from the middle seat in the cabin is great. Three cameras on each mirror help, too.

• Turning radius is “similar to Model Y”

• The Tesla Semi storage compartments on both sides are actually rather large, and they pop wide open when pushing a button on the touchscreen. I made a video about it here.

• The rest of the industry is very very curious about the Semi and wants to know all the details. Several times I saw competition dig into all details on the chassis and powertrain. I literally saw two guys from a competing truckmaker that even brought a tape measurer:

• Check this little fella out. It’s the emergency handle inside the door, which is for when Semi doors don’t open for whatever reason.

  

WHAT’S NEXT: I'm filming Dan Priestley's keynote speech today in less than hour (got to run and grab a good seat to film), and PepsiCo Semi case study tomorrow! You can find some more videos and photos from me on the X post I made above, and also this one: