Tesla CEO Elon Musk has reaffirmed his company’s focus on autonomous vehicles, aiming for a $20 trillion valuation. However, his team in Sparks, Nevada, unveiled the long-awaited Tesla Semi, targeting cost-conscious trucking fleet managers.

The Semi’s range of 500 miles on a charge places it on par with average US long-haul truck distances, though it comes with a hefty price tag, often two to three times that of traditional trucks. Charging infrastructure remains a challenge, with Tesla planning to open just 30 specialized chargers by year-end.

While electric trucks are gaining traction in China, their adoption in the US has been slow due to higher upfront costs and the lack of a widespread charging network. The Tesla Semi’s success hinges on overcoming these obstacles.

Musk’s assertion that the Semi is like a ‘sports car in truck form’ might excite tech enthusiasts, but the real test lies in its performance and affordability in the trucking industry.