Tesla Semi Prototype and Model X Plaid Spotted at the Freemont Factory Test Track

Lee Mercado, Tech Times 16 April 2021, 03:04 pm

Tesla Semi Mock Up 2 — (Photo : Tesla Official Webpage)

The Tesla Semi prototype has once again been seen in action, this time with the upcoming Model X Plaid.

The electric vehicles seemed to be under another set of testing ahead of their production, which is rumored to begin in 2021.

Tesla Semi Prototype, Model X Plaid Sightings

The Tesla Semi prototype and the Model X Plaid were sighted at the Freemont Factory test track when a YouTuber flew a drone over the facility.

According to Teslarati's report on Friday, Apr. 16, Model X Plaid was seen doing some straight-line runs before parking next to the Semi prototype.

Tesla Model X Plaid makes an appearance at Fremont test track with Tesla Semihttps://t.co/4YuEvdssse by @ResidentSponge
— TESLARATI (@Teslarati) April 16, 2021

The video uploaded by YouTuber Gabeincal shows the Model X Plaid without the rear "Plaid" badging but was fitted with Tesla's new 22 inches Turbine Wheels designed for high-speed performance and handling.

The Semi prototype, which Tesla plans to release in late 2021, appears to be being tested ahead of its rumored production.

This is not the first time the Semi prototype has been spotted in public. Previously, a Twitter user shared a video of the electric truck cruising on a freeway on an evening.

Tesla Semi Prototype Rumored Timeline and Updates

Both the Tesla Model X Plaid and Semi were initially slated to be released in 2021, but reports claim that production might be delayed due to the ongoing battery shortage.

However, Electrek reported on Mar. 30 that a new Tesla Semi production line was spotted being built near Tesla's Gigafactory Nevada plant.

Reliable sources who spoke for the report claim that the building, which is currently being built, is expected to produce up to five Tesla Semi electric trucks per week.

Meanwhile, Tesla investor PepsiCo adds to the EV maker's pressure after saying that they expect 15 Tesla Semi electric trucks to be out in the market by the end of 2021.

The Semi, along with the revamped Model X Plaid, is rumored to be fitted with the 4680 battery that features several updates, such as an increase in energy density, eliminate the tabs, and power-to-weight ratio improvement.

Tesla also reportedly started hiring for the upcoming "Semi Service Program," a service program designed specifically for the Semi.

Additionally, the EV maker was also rumored to be working with mysterious third parties to deliver a Megacharger network aimed to function as a charging station for the Tesla Semi electric trucks.

The ambitious plan for the "Megachargers" aims to add 400 miles of range to the Semi in 30 minutes or less.

"We continue the development of the Semi. And in particular, Megachargers, we realized that the 350-kW or so that we are looking for cars is not going to be enough for Semi," said Jerome Guillen, the Tesla Semi program lead and President of Automotive.

"So we're looking for something much more powerful than that, that can achieve essentially charging the Semi during a break, between your driving time so that you can drive until the next break."