Jay Leno took his show outside the garage this week for a vehicle far too massive to fit inside his usual studio: the all-electric Tesla Semi. Joined by Tesla’s Director of Styling, Franz von Holzhausen, and Semi Program Director, Dan Priestley, Leno put the long-range model to the test to see if battery power can truly replace the traditional diesel engine.
The truck features a bullet-shaped cab designed for maximum efficiency. By moving the driver to the centre of the vehicle, Tesla was able to create a narrower upper portion that is significantly “slicker through the air.” Priestley noted that the 500-mile version is now roughly on par with diesel weight, aided by a “2,000lb weight exemption that electric vehicles have.”
Charging remains a central focus for the Class 8 truck. The Semi can charge at a staggering 1.2 megawatts, allowing it to “recover about 60% in 30 minutes.” Beyond the hardware, the economics are the primary selling point for fleet owners. According to Priestley, the truck is “50% cheaper to run” on a per-mile basis in California compared to internal combustion alternatives.
During the test drive, Leno hauled a 70,000 lb load to demonstrate the vehicle’s torque and ease of use. He described the interior as an “office of the future,” noting the visibility and the quietness of the ride.
When addressing durability, the team confirmed the battery is built for the long haul, stating they are “targeting a million-mile life on the drivetrain.” Regarding extreme weather, they confirmed the truck has already been tested in the Sierra Mountains and Alaska to ensure it can handle the cold.
Leno, a longtime fan of the technology, noted that electric vehicles allow him to preserve his hobby of collecting classic cars. “To me, the great thing about electric vehicles is they allow me to enjoy my internal combustion vehicles and they sort of save the gasoline for me,” Leno said. He was also the first non-Tesla person to drive the new Semi.
Tesla (or “Tesler” as Jay calls it lol) confirmed the factory is now standing up and they are moving to high volume this year to meet the ample demand from drivers. The last time Leno tested the Semi was back in October 2023. Since then, the Semi has become even more aerodynamic, by about 7%, while getting design revisions including the new Tesla light bar.
Check out the full 47-minute below (Leno asks for Franz to “finish my Roadster will you please?”):
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