Key Takeaways:
Electric freight operator WattEV placed an order for 370 Tesla Semi trucks, launching a major electric-freight network connecting Northern and Central California and marking one of the largest commercial EV deployments to date. The deal solidifies the Tesla Semi's growing traction in the port drayage market.
"This deployment is a major step toward WattEV’s national expansion into long-haul electric transportation," Salim Youssefzadeh, WattEV’s CEO, said at the ACT Expo industry trade show. "We intend to be the operator that builds the infrastructure, the fleet, and the logistics platform for electrified freight delivery at scale."
Delivery of the first 50 trucks is set to begin in 2026, with the entire 370-unit fleet expected to be operational by the end of 2027. The order coincides with WattEV’s planned opening of truck-charging depots at the Port of Oakland and in Fresno, both featuring Tesla’s Megawatt Charging System (MCS). Additional sites are planned for Stockton and Sacramento.
The move significantly expands Tesla's foothold in the heavy-duty trucking sector, a market where it faces competition from established players like Daimler Truck. The order suggests a strong preference for Tesla's offering in the crucial port drayage segment, where short, repetitive routes make battery-electric trucks economically viable.
The WattEV order is the latest in a series of commitments that point to strong demand for the Tesla Semi. Data from California’s Clean Truck & Bus Voucher program between January 2025 and February 2026 shows the Tesla Semi accounted for 965 of 1,067 applications, far outpacing legacy truck makers.
Separately, charging infrastructure provider Forum Mobility secured orders for 60 Tesla Semis from two port trucking operators, Big F Transport and NICA Container Freight Line. Notably, Big F Transport opted for 40 Tesla Semis after already operating nine Daimler eCascadia electric trucks, signaling a competitive win for Tesla.
WattEV's strategy pairs vehicle deployment with the build-out of charging infrastructure. The new Northern California depots will extend an existing network of six stations in Southern California. This integrated model is designed to lower the barrier to entry for carriers by removing the need for them to build their own charging systems.
The primary challenge for Tesla now shifts to production. The company recently began high-volume production at its new 1.7-million-square-foot factory in Nevada, which has a target capacity of 50,000 trucks annually. Fulfilling the growing order book will be critical to maintaining its market lead.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.
