Tesla has formalised plans to launch its Semi electric truck in Europe.

On Aug. 20, electric vehicle outlet Electrek reported that Tesla will unveil specifications and its release plan for the Europe-spec Semi at IAA Transportation in Hanover, Germany, next month.

The Tesla Semi account said it will disclose specifications and release details for the Europe-bound Semi at IAA Transportation. The event runs from Sept. 15 to 20 and the Semi will also be displayed at the venue.

The announcement is significant because it confirms the push into Europe itself. Tesla has not yet provided a European sales price, range under local standards or the actual start of sales. It has signalled it will release related figures at the Hanover event, indicating the Europe launch is no longer a vague plan.

Tesla has openly hinted since last year that it is preparing to sell the Semi in Europe. It brought the vehicle to IAA 2024 but said little at the time about actual market plans. This time, it effectively presented Hanover as a launch stage.

The basic specifications of vehicles to be deployed in Europe are expected to follow the same direction as the model currently being produced in Nevada in the United States. Tesla presented 2 trims when it disclosed final specifications in February. The standard range is 325 miles, or about 523 km, and the long range is 500 miles, or about 800 km. Both models are equipped with an 800 kW-class three-motor powertrain and have 1,072 horsepower. Charging supports up to a 1.2 MW-class Megacharger.

U.S. pricing was set at $290,000 for the long-range version and about $260,000 for the standard-range version. How European prices will be set in euros, and where vehicles for Europe will be produced, has not been disclosed. This is expected to be a key issue in the IAA announcement.

On the production side, a variable is that the Semi programme has entered a full-scale mass-production phase. Tesla shipped its first Semi from a mass-production line at Gigafactory Nevada in April. The dedicated factory covers 1.7 million square feet and was designed with a target capacity of 50,000 vehicles per year. It means the long-delayed Semi is turning into a commercial vehicle that can be ordered.

Demand is also following. Swedish logistics technology company Einride ordered 500 Semis this week. It is the largest Semi order disclosed so far. This volume is for vehicles to be operated in North America, not Europe. PepsiCo is currently operating about 100 Semis in California.

Still, Europe is not a stage where Tesla is introducing an electric heavy-duty truck for the first time. Mercedes-Benz's eActros 600 is already operating in 15 European countries, highlighting a range of about 500 km and a 600 kWh battery. Volvo Trucks unveiled a next-generation electric heavy-duty truck in April. MAN, Scania, Renault Trucks and DAF are also producing or delivering battery-electric heavy-duty tractors.

European transport operators are already introducing and running electric long-haul trucks from local brands. Service networks, certification and dealer support systems are also in place. Tesla, by contrast, still has to build this commercial infrastructure in Europe.

A key point is whether the price and range advantage presented in the United States will be maintained in Europe. With Tesla set to disclose details of the Semi's Europe launch at next month's IAA, the actual sales schedule, price and local specifications are expected to emerge as key variables that will shape the competitive landscape.