At the IAA Transportation show in Hanover, Automobile Propre spoke with Dan Priestley, director of the Semi program at Tesla, about the company's plans to enter the European heavy truck market with its electric Semi. Priestley explained that the European version of the Semi is very similar to the American model, with the same battery, motors, and transmission. Differences include lighting and the absence of mirror-style rearview mirrors, which are required in the United States but not in Europe. The truck also has slightly different wheels and tires, but the core technology remains the same across both markets. Tesla has opted to place the driver in the center of the cab, a design choice based on the observation that most trips are made by a single driver and the need for aerodynamic efficiency. Tesla's Semi is positioned to compete with existing electric truck manufacturers in Europe by offering lower operating costs, proven reliability, and a lighter weight. The Semi has a payload capacity 9.1 tonnes less than its competitors, providing more cargo space for similar autonomy and costs. The company also plans to develop a network of Megachargers for the Semi, with an initial deployment of over 100 stations across Europe, including France, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. These stations will use the MCS standard, which will allow them to accommodate other manufacturers' vehicles as well. The Megachargers will initially be capable of delivering 1.2 megawatts per charging point, which could allow for faster recharging speeds or accommodate other vehicles that support higher power levels. Tesla also mentioned that customers will have the option to install their own charging stations using either a Megacharger or a slower Basecharger. Regarding autonomous driving, Tesla is currently focusing on driver assistance systems, such as automatic emergency braking and front collision alerts. The company is using the same data collection and training methods as with its passenger vehicles, though the unique positioning of the cameras and the size of the truck present different challenges. Tesla aims to deploy autonomous driving in the United States and eventually in Europe, but it will first need to collect data from human-driven vehicles. Tesla plans to begin testing and demonstrating the Semi in Europe during the first half of 2027, with deliveries expected in the second half of the same year. The company is not yet ready to disclose specific sales figures but noted that demand is strong. Production of the Semi will initially take place at Tesla's Nevada factory, which has the capacity to produce up to 50,000 units annually. However, Tesla is exploring the possibility of localizing production in Europe, similar to its approach with the Model Y. Tesla's primary European markets will include France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Denmark, and the Benelux region, where there is significant port traffic. The company also sees opportunities in Poland, Eastern Europe, Spain, and Italy. The Semi will be sold directly to customers, including large and small fleets as well as independent operators, without the use of traditional showrooms. Tesla is also building its own after-sales service and maintenance network specifically for the Semi. The Semi is currently available in a tractor-trailer configuration, and Tesla is also considering a rigid truck configuration for regional distribution. While Tesla is focused on the heavy truck segment, the company has no immediate plans to enter the light utility vehicle market.