Molly Ayala
The first electric semi-trucks were introduced in the early 20th century, with GMC building around 500 electric trucks between 1912 and 1916. However, the popularity of electric trucks waned as gasoline engines improved, and the demand for battery-powered commercial vehicles decreased. In the 21st century, the development of lighter and more energy-dense battery chemistries has led to a resurgence of electric trucks, with companies such as Tesla, Volvo, and Daimler leading the way. Tesla, in particular, has been working on its Semi model since 2017, with the first deliveries to customers happening in 2022, three years behind schedule.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First electric semi-truck manufacturer | GMC |
| Year of first electric semi-truck | 1912-1916 |
| Number of electric trucks built by GMC | 500 |
| First modern electric semi-truck manufacturer | Tesla |
| Year of first modern electric semi-truck | 2022 |
| Year of the concept prototype of the Tesla Semi | 2017 |
| Year Tesla Semi production began | 2022 |
| Year of first Tesla Semi deliveries | 2022 |
| Number of Tesla Semis delivered to PepsiCo | 100 |
| Range of Tesla Semi | 425 miles (684 km) for Frito-Lay snacks; 100 miles (160 km) for heavier loads of sodas |
| Battery location in Tesla Semi | Under the floor of the cab, between the front and driving wheels |
| Turning radius of Tesla Semi | Comparable to that of Model Y and Model 3 |
| Charging system | Megawatt Charging System – Direct current (DC) |
| Power of Tesla Semi compared to a typical diesel semi truck | Approximately three times more |
| Energy use of Tesla Semi | Less than two kilowatt-hours per mile (1.2 kW⋅h/km) |
| Other companies with electric semi-trucks | Volvo, DAF, MAN, Renault Trucks, Mercedes-Benz, Scania, Freightliner, BYD, Nikola Motors, Daimler, Peterbilt |
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What You'll Learn
The first electric semi-trucks
Electric trucks have been used for niche applications like milk floats, pushback tugs, and forklifts for over a century. In the early 20th century, GMC built around 500 electric trucks, but as gasoline engines improved, demand for battery-powered commercial vehicles decreased.
In 2017, Tesla unveiled its first electric semi-truck, the Tesla Semi, which was initially supposed to go into production in 2019. However, due to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and a global parts shortage, the first Tesla Semi trucks were delivered to customers in December 2022. The Tesla Semi is powered by three motors and has approximately three times the power of a typical diesel semi-truck, with a range of 500 miles (800 km).
In addition to Tesla, other manufacturers have also entered the electric semi-truck market. In 2020, electric semi-trucks were in limited commercial use in California by companies such as Anheuser-Busch, GSC Logistics, and Penske. Volvo has also sold electric semi-trucks in the North American market, and manufacturers like Daimler, Peterbilt, and BYD have been working on their own electric long-haulers.
The adoption of electric semi-trucks offers several advantages. They reduce noise and pollution compared to internal combustion trucks, and their high efficiency and low component counts result in significantly lower ownership and operating costs. However, there are also challenges to the widespread adoption of battery-powered electric vehicles, including weight restrictions and the availability of suitable charging stations.
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GMC's electric trucks in 1912
Electric trucks are not a new phenomenon. In fact, they have been around for over a century, with GMC introducing its first electric trucks in 1912.
General Motors (GM) created the General Motors Truck Company (GMTC) in 1911 in Detroit to sell vehicles built by the Reliance Motor Car Co. and the Rapid Motor Vehicle Company. The Rapid Motor Vehicle Company, founded in 1902 by Max and Morris Grabowski, produced a complete line of both gasoline and electric trucks. In 1909, GM acquired the company, and in 1911, GM consolidated its truck operations, rebranding the trucks under the GMC name.
In 1912, GMC introduced its first electric trucks, which were designed by John M. Lansden, an EV pioneer. These trucks ranged from one-half ton to six tons in capacity and used DC motors of various ratings mounted in the center of the chassis. They featured a dual chain drive and solid rubber tires. A wooden battery compartment was located below and behind the driver's seat, where either standard lead-acid or Edison nickel-iron batteries could be installed. Lansden was an associate of Thomas Edison, which likely explains the use of Edison batteries.
Between 1912 and 1916, GMC built around 500 electric trucks. However, as gasoline engines continued to improve, the demand for battery-powered commercial vehicles declined. By the end of 1916, GMC discontinued its electric truck line.
It is worth noting that GMC reintroduced electric trucks to its lineup with the Hummer EV in 2021, showcasing the company's renewed interest in electric vehicle technology over a century after its first attempt.
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Electric truck applications
Electric trucks have been used for niche applications such as milk floats, pushback tugs, and forklifts for over a hundred years. In the past, these vehicles typically used lead-acid batteries. However, advancements in battery technology in the twenty-first century have made electric propulsion a viable option for a broader range of trucks.
Electric trucks offer several advantages over internal-combustion trucks. They produce less noise and pollution, have lower fuel and operational costs, and benefit from efficient acceleration and high efficiency due to their electric powertrains. The absence of fuel burning while idle further contributes to their cost-effectiveness.
The development of lighter and more energy-dense batteries has played a crucial role in expanding the applicability of electric trucks. This evolution in battery technology has led to their integration into various truck types, including pickup trucks, mini trucks, and semi-trucks.
Pickup trucks, such as the Chevrolet electric S-10 and the Ford Ranger EV, were introduced in the late 1990s and early 2000s. More recently, Ford has begun manufacturing the all-electric F-150 Lightning, and Rivian has produced the R1T electric pickup truck. General Motors has also entered the market with the GMC Hummer EV and the Silverado EV.
Mini trucks, such as the TELO MT1, offer a compact and practical option with advanced safety features and efficient performance, making them suitable for both urban and out-of-town use.
Electric semi-trucks have gained traction in recent years, with traditional truck manufacturers like Volvo, DAF, MAN, Renault Trucks, Mercedes-Benz, and Scania offering electric options in the European market. Volvo held the largest market share in the European electric truck market in 2024. The battery capacities of these long-distance trucks are impressive, with the Mercedes eActros 600 offering 600 kWh and the Volvo FH electric providing 500-600 kWh.
The Tesla Semi, unveiled in 2017, is another significant player in the electric semi-truck market. With a range of 500 miles (800 km) and enhanced autopilot features, it offers a cost-effective and technologically advanced alternative to diesel trucks.
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Electric truck benefits
Electric trucks are not a new concept. In fact, they have been in use for niche applications for over a century. However, the first electric semi truck, the Tesla Semi, was unveiled as a concept prototype in November 2017, with production slated to begin in 2019. After several delays, production finally began in October 2022, and initial deliveries were made to PepsiCo on December 1, 2022.
Now, let's discuss the benefits of electric trucks:
Reduced Noise and Emissions
One of the most significant advantages of electric trucks is their ability to reduce noise and harmful emissions. With no fuel burning while idle and silent, efficient acceleration, electric trucks can operate during off-peak and unusual times, in zero- or ultra-low-emission zones, or even indoors. This not only improves the driving experience but also helps businesses save money by operating at times when diesel trucks may be prohibited.
Lower Fuel and Maintenance Costs
Electric trucks offer dramatically lower fuel costs compared to their diesel counterparts due to their high efficiency and the low cost of electricity compared to diesel. Additionally, electric trucks have lower maintenance costs as they have fewer parts and components, reducing downtime due to service requirements. Regenerative braking in electric trucks also recaptures electric power and reduces the use of traditional brakes, further lowering maintenance needs.
Improved Business Efficiency
Electric trucks can help businesses reduce inventory and improve efficiency. Quieter electric trucks can make deliveries during off-hours, allowing businesses to receive deliveries at times that better suit their needs. This reduces the need to keep a large stock of supplies on hand, as was the case with diesel truck deliveries, which often had hiccups and required double the ingredients or supplies to be kept in stock.
Competitive Edge and Driver Comfort
As demand for electric vehicles grows, contractors who adopt electric semis will gain a competitive edge. Additionally, the quiet and comfortable driving environment of electric trucks can help attract and retain great drivers. The smoother and quieter ride improves driver concentration during long hauls and enhances communication at the worksite.
Reduced Purchase Prices
While electric trucks currently have higher purchase prices than diesel trucks, these costs are expected to equalize as production volumes increase and battery technologies mature. Federal tax credits, state and utility incentives, and fuel cost savings can also help offset the initial higher costs of electric trucks.
The benefits of electric trucks are clear, and with advancements in technology and infrastructure, they offer a future-proof plan for transportation and fleet operations.
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The future of electric trucks
Electric trucks have been around in some form for over a century, but they have mostly been used for niche applications. In the 21st century, however, the development of lighter and more energy-dense batteries has made electric propulsion a viable option for trucks in a broader range of roles. Electric trucks offer several advantages over their diesel-powered counterparts, including reduced noise and pollution, higher efficiency, lower component counts, and no fuel burning while idle. These advantages translate to significantly lower ownership and operational costs.
One of the fastest-growing segments in the electric car market is electric pickup trucks. Manufacturers such as Rivian, with its R1T and upcoming R2 series, and Hercules Alpha, with its luxury-level amenities and 1,000 horsepower, are leading the way in this segment. Even traditional automakers like Audi are entering the electric pickup truck market, aiming to offer customers a more practical alternative to station wagons and SUVs for outdoor adventures.
While electric trucks face challenges such as range limitations and higher upfront costs, these issues are being actively addressed. The range of electric trucks is expected to improve with advancements in battery technology, and as the market for electric trucks expands, prices are expected to decrease due to economies of scale. Additionally, the increasing availability of electric charging stations and exemptions from toll payments for electric vehicles will further enhance the appeal of electric trucks.
The Tesla Semi, which entered production in 2022, is a notable example of the progress made in electric trucks. With a range of 500 miles (800 km) and approximately three times the power of a typical diesel semi-truck, the Tesla Semi is challenging competitors like Volvo and Renault, who are responding with more affordable models. The electric truck market is expected to continue evolving, with volume production of the Tesla Semi planned for March 2026 and other manufacturers joining the race, offering sustainable alternatives for heavy-duty transportation.
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Frequently asked questions
The first electric semi-trucks were released between 1912 and 1916 by GMC.
The range of the early electric semi-trucks is not known. However, GMC built around 500 electric trucks during this period.
The range of modern electric semi-trucks varies depending on the manufacturer. For example, the BYD 8TT semi-tractor has a range of 124 miles at full load and 167 miles at half load. The long-range Tesla Semi is expected to have a range of 620 miles.
As of 2025, several companies sell electric semi-trucks in the European market, including Volvo, DAF, MAN, Renault Trucks, Mercedes-Benz, and Scania. Tesla also sells the Tesla Semi in North America, with volume production planned to begin by March 2026.
Electric semi-trucks have several benefits over traditional diesel trucks, including reduced noise and pollution, lower operating costs due to higher efficiency and no fuel burning while idle, and more efficient acceleration.
