Tesla's Semi electric truck was unveiled in 2017 and, almost a decade later, it is finally set to hit European roads.The electric HGV is due to make its European debut next month at the IAA Transportation show in Hanover, Germany.The Semi represents Tesla's effort to electrify the heavy truck market, but despite being revealed nearly ten years ago, it has only recently entered series production in the US.Elon Musk's EV brand says full European specifications will not be shared until September 15.Currently, the Semi is available in the North American market in both Standard Range and Long Range guises, both of which are likely to make the journey across the Atlantic.However, the Tesla UK website hints that Britain may receive only the Standard Range version, with a range of around 300 miles. A decade after Tesla unveiled its groundbreaking Semi HGV, the EV maker has confirmed it will be available on European roads shortly. But the UK might not get the Long Range version...The Semi Standard Range truck uses a 548kWh battery and the cab alone weighs just over nine tons.The Long Range version, powered by a monumental 822kWh battery pack, tips the scales at more than 10,000kg.However, the enormous batteries are much needed for the Semi to haul a gross weight of up to 37 tons when laden with a trailer and contents.Both variants feature the same tri-motor rear-axle powertrain producing 800kW, equivalent to around 1,073bhp.The Semi is underpinned by a 1,000V architecture compatible with ultra-fast charging at speeds of up to 1,200kW using Tesla's bespoke 'Megachargers'.Like BYD's Flash Charging stations, which are being installed in Britain this year, these chargers are supported by on-site battery storage systems known as Megapacks.These large-scale lithium-ion energy storage systems hold energy generated from renewable sources such as solar and wind power, helping to reduce strain on the electricity grid.When plugged into a Megacharger, Tesla says the HGV can replenish up to 60 per cent of its battery capacity in under 30 minutes.Tesla's UK website states that the Semi available in Britain will be capable of travelling up to an estimated 550km (or 342 miles) on a single charge.This suggests the company may only import the Standard Range option, though that is expected to be confirmed in less than a month's time. The Semi Standard Range uses a 548kWh battery and the cab alone weighs 9,100kg. The Long Range version, powered by a 822kWh battery pack, tips the scales at 10,400kg The Tesla Semi boasts a range of active safety features and a spacious interior designed for maximum visibilityLess than 1% of new lorries are electric The Semi's arrival signals one of the first major efforts to electrify the heavy commercial vehicle (HCV) market, which continues to be dominated by diesel power.Registration data for the first half of the year shows EVs accounted for less than one per cent of new HCVs entering Britain's road network.The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) warned earlier this year that uptake of zero-emission HGVs is not growing at the pace required for the Government to meet its Net Zero ambitions.Registrations increased by 4.7 per cent in July, although that equated to just 90 additional units.In fact, zero-emission HGV volumes fell by 6.6 per cent in the first six months of 2026 compared with the same period last year, when uptake was supported by funding schemes. The Semi's arrival signals one of the first major efforts to electrify the heavy commercial vehicle market, which continues to be dominated by diesel powerJoin the discussionShould the UK invest more in electric truck infrastructure to speed up the shift from diesel to greener haulage?What's your view?The SMMT said uptake of electric HGVs 'remains constrained by the higher upfront cost of vehicles and challenges around depot and network infrastructure'.It added: 'Long waits for grid connections and limited public charging provision continue to hamper adoption despite government support through measures such as the Plug-In Truck Grant, Depot Charging Scheme and the ZEHID programme.'Faster grid connections, accelerated depot planning approvals and a long-term national infrastructure strategy would help support uptake across a sector characterised by diverse vehicle types and operating requirements, while also boosting operator confidence.'Mike Hawes, chief executive of the SMMT, added: 'Government support has helped incubate this emerging market, but if the sector is to decarbonise at pace, operators need confidence, and that means addressing key barriers to investment and adopting a technology-neutral approach that recognises the diversity and complexity of HGV use.' VIDEO ELECTRIC CAR VIDEOS Watch video Billionaire buys Ferrari's electric car for $40 million Watch video Volkswagen unveils new ID.Cross EV to battle Chinese rivals Watch video Honda Super-N: Will the sub-£19k EV take on the Renault 5? Watch video Daily Mail's Freda Lewis-Stempel tested the new £90k Polestar 5 Watch video Was this the Pope getting world's first Ferrari Luce road-test? Watch video First look at Ferrari's new electric supercar costing £500k Watch video Honda's first electric motorcycle could be an EV game-changer Watch video Volvo EX60 sets new standards with 500-mile range and AI chat tech Watch video Citroen's e-C3 Urban Range is a multi-tasker Watch video Famous 2000s Smart Car set to make an electric return next year Watch video Chinese EV car maker brings fast Charging technology to the UK Watch video Rolls Royce unveils a new £3.5 million electric cabriolet Watch video Is BYD's new flash charging luxury EV worth £100k? Watch video Daily Mail drives Jaguar's £120k electric GT Watch video Porsche Cayenne Electric is its most powerful road car EVER Watch video Mercedes-Benz unveils its super-luxurious electric vans Watch video DS Automobiles show off their new flagship car - the DS No8 Watch video Changan Deepal S05: Can this electric SUV entice buyers? Watch video The new BMW iX3 has set the worlds first 500 mile range EV Watch video MG's two new cheap EV hatchbacks are put to the test Watch video Jaguar's £140k EV spotted testing in the Arctic Circle Watch video Five things to know about Tesla Model Y Standard Watch video Sony debuts Afeela Prototype SUV in collab with Honda Watch video Daily Mail rides inside Jaguar's first car in all-electric rebrand Watch video Is the new MG EV worth the cost? Here are five things you need to know Watch video Jaguar's controversial Type 00 EV makes London debut in red Watch video Chinese electric car company Geely launches first vehicle in UK Watch video Peugeot introduces its radical small concept electric car the Polygon Watch video Renault redesigns its Twingo as an ultra-compact EV for less than £20k Watch video ICaur V23: Say hello to China's smash hit 4x4 EV Watch video Lexus unveils LS Micro concept car at Japan Mobility Show 2025 Watch video Is Volvo's ES90 luxury saloon EV going to lure people away from SUVs? Watch video London's tiniest restaurant serves Korean Food in a tiny electric car Watch video This is Money test drives and reviews the brand new Nissan Leaf Watch video Dacia unveils new 'people's car' that will cost under £12k Watch video Daily Mail reviews if Citroën e-C5 Aircross is the most practical SUV Watch video Daily Mail's Freda tried Ford's electric sauna van for wild swimmers Watch video Yangwang claim to have made the fastest production car Watch video Changan UK debuts Deepal S07 electric SUV with a unique touchscreen Watch video The new BMW iX3 will be the longest-range EV when it arrives Watch video Meet the all-electric GLC with an AI brain Watch video Volkswagen unveils ID. CROSS electric compact SUV with loads of style Watch video Porsche unplugged! Porsche unveils wireless charger for new SUV Watch video Audi to make return to sports car market with new electric TT Watch video Polestar 3 EV smashes world record for SUV distance on one charge Watch video Will MG's new IM series rival Tesla's popular top selling cars? Watch video The sporty new Mercedes-Benz CLA Watch video Jaguar's polarising Type 00 concept makes UK debut at Goodwood Watch video Bentley shows off enormous electric car EXP 15 with only three seats Watch video Mercedes unveils electric family supercar of tomorrow Watch video Nissan Leaf is BACK: Our sneak peek at new EV range Watch video GTi is back! Peugeot's legendary badge is now on an EV Watch video Fiat speeds up electric car charging time to under five minutes Watch video Car giant Stellantis to offer car battery swapping service Watch video Nio's Firefly EV will hit UK roads to rival Renault and VW Watch video Alpine unveils its A390 electric SUV: 'racing car in a suit'