Tesla has announced the design update for its long-anticipated electric truck, the Tesla Semi. These innovations, which include a redesigned chassis, new headlights, and more, aim to increase the vehicle’s efficiency and future-proofing capabilities.

More Efficient, Autonomous, and Coming with a Refreshed Look!

While there was no detailed discussion of the Semi at yesterday’s Tesla Annual Shareholder Meeting, CEO Elon Musk reaffirmed that the electric truck, first unveiled in 2017, will enter volume production next year. However, Tesla did state that the electric truck has been updated to be “more efficient,” have “increased payload,” and is now “designed for autonomy.”

The automaker has released a new image of the updated Tesla Semi. Comparisons with the previous version reveal striking design changes. The previously wide, wraparound windshield has been significantly reduced in the new design.

A more modern, and likely aerodynamically improved, front bumper has been added. The roof angle is now more rounded. The truck’s headlights have been updated to resemble those on the updated Model 3.

While these design changes are said to make the vehicle “more efficient,” Tesla’s reuse of its previously announced efficiency figure of 1.7 kWh per mile has caused some confusion. However, the Semi has previously been found to deliver efficiency between 1.55 and 1.73 kWh per mile in real-world testing.

Dan Priestley, head of the Tesla Semi program, addressed the changes without elaborating:

“There are a tremendous number of improvements to next year’s Semi, stemming from pilot fleet experience and the amazing innovations of the incredible Tesla teams working on this project.”

While Priestley denied reports of a production delay earlier in the year, Tesla recently confirmed the delay, and Musk reiterated this point at a meeting this week. Tesla aims to put the electric truck into production at its new Nevada factory around the second quarter of 2026, with volume production expected in the second half of the year.