What happened
Tesla has started delivering its electric semi-truck, with the company opening its first mass-production facility outside of Reno, Nevada. The truck was first unveiled in 2017, and CEO Elon Musk has touted it as a revolutionary vehicle capable of carrying heavy loads.
According to Musk, the truck's acceleration is similar to a sports car, making it enjoyable to drive. The truck also features anticipated self-driving capabilities, which Musk believes will be a key safety feature for long overnight journeys.
The electric semi-truck's release comes as diesel prices have spiked due to the war in Iran, which has affected global energy prices. The price of diesel has reached record highs, with an average price of $6.48 per gallon on Saturday and a highest recorded average price of $6.5276 per gallon on Tuesday.
Musk noted that the cost of electricity per mile is much less than the cost of diesel, making the electric semi-truck a more economical option. The company's facility launch in Sparks, Nevada, marks a significant milestone in the production of the electric big-rig.
