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Elon Musk says Tesla Semi ready for 'volume production' in leaked email

But the CEO didn't provide an actual timeframe for when production of the electric truck will begin.

Tesla Semi promo
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Tesla Semi promo

Musk sounds like he's ready, so hopefully we hear more soon.

Tesla

For Elon Musk , it's Tesla Semi time. Well, soon. We hope.

According to a leaked email from the automaker's CEO, which Reuters obtained and reported on Wednesday, Musk said it's about time to bring the Semi to "volume production." He didn't lay out a specific timeframe, however, for when we'll see the electric commercial truck actually start rolling off an assembly line. It's also not clear where Tesla will assemble the Semi.

What the Tesla boss did say was the powertrain and battery will be a product of the company's Nevada-based Gigafactory. Other production will take place in other states, according to Reuters.

Tesla did not immediately respond to Roadshow's request for comment.

The last solid piece of news on the Semi came in late April after Tesla said in its Q1 investor report the commercial truck was now scheduled for launch in 2021. The electric semi truck was originally meant to hit the road in 2019. Then it was meant for this year. Tesla hasn't explained the repeated delays. This latest news on the Semi also comes as Nikola, a startup focused on electric and fuel cell-powered semi trucks, quickly became another Wall Street darling.

When it does come to life, the Tesla Semi should pack a 500-mile range and sell for $150,000-$180,000.

Watch this: Watch Tesla unveil its new electric Semi

Tesla Semi looks set to tower over the competition

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Sean Szymkowski
It all started with Gran Turismo. From those early PlayStation days, Sean was drawn to anything with four wheels. Prior to joining the Roadshow team, he was a freelance contributor for Motor Authority, The Car Connection and Green Car Reports. As for what's in the garage, Sean owns a 2016 Chevrolet SS, and yes, it has Holden badges.
Sean Szymkowski
It all started with Gran Turismo. From those early PlayStation days, Sean was drawn to anything with four wheels. Prior to joining the Roadshow team, he was a freelance contributor for Motor Authority, The Car Connection and Green Car Reports. As for what's in the garage, Sean owns a 2016 Chevrolet SS, and yes, it has Holden badges.

Article updated on June 10, 2020 at 11:18 AM PDT

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Sean Szymkowski
It all started with Gran Turismo. From those early PlayStation days, Sean was drawn to anything with four wheels. Prior to joining the Roadshow team, he was a freelance contributor for Motor Authority, The Car Connection and Green Car Reports. As for what's in the garage, Sean owns a 2016 Chevrolet SS, and yes, it has Holden badges.
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