Tesla Leaks Semi Customers Ahead of Handover Event
Drone footage reveals branded units for PepsiCo, Einride, and DHL at the Sparks factory prior to the official launch.
Drone footage captured outside Tesla’s new Semi factory in Sparks, Nevada, has revealed customer-branded Class 8 electric trucks ahead of the official handover event scheduled for this evening. The video, shared by drone operator Zanegler, shows a row of new-generation Semi units parked at the plant with liveries applied for major logistics companies.
What Happened
The leaked footage displays Tesla Semi trucks branded for PepsiCo, U.S. Foods, Einride, DHL, and WattEV. These companies have previously committed to integrating Tesla’s electric trucks into their fleets. While PepsiCo has been an anchor customer since the initial pilot deliveries in December 2022, the presence of other branded units signals a broader rollout. Einride, which placed a 500-unit order in August, is expected to begin deployments this month across several states. Additionally, IMC Logistics recently announced a 50-truck order for California, though their branding was not explicitly identified in the drone footage.
Why It Matters
The visual confirmation of multiple customer-branded vehicles suggests Tesla is moving beyond pilot programs toward high-volume production. The new 1.7-million-square-foot facility in Sparks is designed to support this ramp-up. While Tesla Semi program director Dan Priestley has stated the company expects to build “many thousands” of units this year, external estimates for 2026 deliveries range between 5,000 and 15,000 trucks. The presence of new brands like LTS, OK Produce, and HMD on the lot, despite not being widely confirmed as firm buyers, indicates Tesla may announce additional commitments during the event. This expansion is critical for validating the commercial viability of the Class 8 electric truck segment.
The Bottom Line
Tesla’s Semi handover event will be livestreamed on X starting at 6 p.m. PDT / 9 p.m. ET. The leaked footage provides a preview of the customer base Tesla intends to activate as it transitions from limited pilot builds to mass production at its dedicated Nevada factory.
