Tesla Semi price revealed: $290,000

Tesla is quoting customers $290,000 for the 500-mile Long Range version of the Tesla Semi, Electrek has learned. The pricing is consistent with data from California’s HVIP voucher program, finally giving us clarity on what the production electric truck will cost after years of speculation.

Tesla Semi pricing revealed

When Tesla first unveiled the Semi back in 2017, the company advertised a starting price of $150,000 for the 300-mile range version and $180,000 for the 500-mile variant. Those prices have long been considered outdated, but Tesla never officially updated them.

Electrek has obtained pricing from a customer quote showing the 500-mile Tesla Semi Long Range is now priced at $290,000 before destination fees and taxes.

This aligns with data from California’s Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP), administered by CARB. According to state documents, Tesla Semi pricing has been listed around $260,000 for the Standard Range (325 miles) and $300,000 for the Long Range (500 miles).

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The $290,000 price point represents a significant increase from the original $180,000, roughly 60% higher. However, it’s still well below the industry average for class 8 electric semi trucks. CARB data shows the average cost of a zero-emission Class 8 truck was $435,000 in 2024, meaning Tesla is undercutting competitors by about $145,000 – but the electric trucking landscape is changing fast and some manufacturers have been known to boost prices to take better advantage of incentives.

This new pricing information comes just days after Tesla revealed the final specs for both Semi trims:

Standard Range: 325 miles at 82,000 lbs, curb weight under 20,000 lbs
Long Range: 500 miles, curb weight 23,000 lbs, 1.2 MW peak charging

Both versions share 1.7 kWh/mile efficiency, three motors with 800 kW of power, and are “designed for autonomy.”

The pricing clarity comes at a critical moment for Tesla. The company has faced repeated production delays, and last year, we reported on concerns about dramatic price increases reported by an early Tesla customer in California. The actual $290,000 quote is lower than some had feared, but still qualifies as a “dramatic price increase” compared to the original $180,000 price tag.

Adjusted for inflation since 2017, the price should be about $240,000.

California has set aside nearly $165 million in HVIP vouchers specifically for Tesla Semi purchases, roughly 992 vouchers worth between $84,000 and $351,000 each. That’s drawn criticism from competitors who argue Tesla is receiving preferential treatment for a vehicle that’s still not widely available.

Tesla has also partnered with Uber Freight to offer additional discounts through a fleet accelerator program, which could further reduce the effective purchase price for qualifying operators.

The Tesla Semi electric truck is expected to finally enter volume production this year after roughly 6 years of delays.

Electrek’s Take

Despite the ~60% price increase, at $290,000, the Tesla Semi Long Range is priced aggressively for what it offers. A 500-mile range with 1.2 MW charging capability and efficiency of 1.7 kWh/mile.

Yes, it’s 60% higher than the $180,000 Elon Musk promised in 2017. But that was nearly a decade ago, and every manufacturer’s costs have increased. What matters now is competitiveness, and at this price point, Tesla has a compelling offering.

With current diesel and electricity rates, Tesla Semi would pay itself back compared to ICE alternatives in a few years for local distribution.

With a roughly $110,000 premium over an average new diesel class 8, and at ~$0.18 per kWh, a Tesla Semi would pay back the difference in about 4 years.

For long-haul routes, Tesla still needs to deploy its Megacharger network and also find ways to control the cost per kWh, which is likely to be much higher than overnight charging at truck depots.

You also need to consider the slightly lower payload weight due to the tractor weight, but that only applies to heavier cargo.

Either way, I think Tesla has a winning product in its hands right now.