Tesla Cybertruck, Semi and Robotaxi in the Spotlight

Image credit: Tesla

Tesla Cybertruck and Semi are in the spotlight again as they make their debut in markets outside the US. Both vehicles are hotly anticipated and could significantly change the shape of their respective industries. Welcome to the weekly news roundup with Jowua.

Semi to debut at IAA Transportation 2024 in Hannover

Tesla has brought Semi to Germany for one of Europe’s largest transportation shows. The company is unveiling two Semi trucks at the IAA Transportation 2024 show in Hannover this week. They will be on display from September 17 to 22, not only for viewing but also for test driving.

Semi expansion in Europe

During IAA Transportation 2024 in Hannover, Tesla Semi Program Manager Dan Priestley revealed several important details about the electric truck. One of the important ones was the announcement of plans to enter the European market, where there will be a big need for electric trucks in the coming years. Tesla, with its finished product, is better positioned than other makers to take the lead in the industry.

The company's truck already meets all European requirements and does not need any changes. For now, Tesla is focused on ramping up production of Semi and will release the truck to the market as soon as it is scaled up for the North American market.

Cybertruck deliveries outside the US have started

Continuing its rapid development, Tesla has begun deliveries of Cybertruck to markets outside the US. The first market was Mexico, where deliveries began late last week. Tesla had previously announced that deliveries would begin in September, which means it is on track. Mexico is a country where the electric pickup truck was actively tested before its release, so expanding deliveries to the country's market is a logical step.

Cybertruck leads the electric pickup truck market in the US. in July

The best way to show the popularity of Cybertruck is to show its sales data. The pickup truck was already the segment’s best-selling vehicle in 2024, and it only further solidified its position in July. Cybertruck accounted for 5,175 Tesla deliveries in July, according to S&P Global Mobility. That is just a little less of the combined sales of the Ford F-150 Lightning, Rivian R1T, and GMC Hummer EV, which are 5,546 units.

Tesla reaches production of 100 millionth 4680 battery cell

Last week, Tesla celebrated another milestone: producing its 100 millionth 4680 battery cell. That includes cumulative production at all of the company’s facilities. The new battery format is key to the company’s continued growth in the auto business. They bring significant savings in the manufacturing process, which will ultimately reduce the price of EVs equipped with 4680 batteries.

Tesla testing camouflaged Robotaxi

Last week, a camouflaged Tesla Robotaxi prototype was spotted at the Warner Bros. studio in Burbank, California. The photo was posted by a Warner Bros. employee on Reddit. It was a compact two-door car with a specially distorted body shape with bright yellow camouflage. According to the image, Tesla added non-existent body parts to obscure the Robotaxi’s design.