WattEV Orders 370 Tesla Semis in $100M Deal

WattEV has placed an order for 370 Tesla Semis in a transaction reportedly valued at approximately $100 million, marking the biggest public fleet purchase of the vehicle so far. The deal comes after recent large commitments from Forum Mobility earlier this week and Alyath at the end of last month.

Charging Infrastructure

High-capacity charging remains one of the biggest obstacles to broader use of battery-electric Class 8 trucks. In tandem with receiving the 370 vehicles, WattEV is constructing dedicated MCS hubs at key freight routes in California, specifically targeting Oakland, Fresno, Stockton, and Sacramento.

The new stations will feature Tesla’s Megawatt Charging System hardware. According to the company, these chargers can add 300 miles of range in about 30 minutes, roughly the same amount of time required for a traditional diesel refueling stop. This parity lets fleet operators maintain existing schedules and routing without extra downtime or logistical changes.

Making the Transition Easy

Committing roughly $100 million represents a major investment for independent trucking firms. WattEV plans to offer smaller logistics operators full-service leases modeled on programs already provided by Forum Mobility and Alyath. The combined package of trucks, charging access, and leasing terms is designed to cut expenses and limit exposure for companies hesitant about switching to electric semis.

Operators would simply secure the equipment needed to haul freight, with WattEV assuming responsibility for grid connections and high-voltage upkeep.

Tesla Semi Wins Against Competitors

At the annual ACT Expo in Las Vegas, WattEV CEO Salim Youssefzadeh stated that Tesla won the contract through a public request for proposals. The manufacturer prevailed on the basis of cost, performance, and availability. The emphasis on availability stands out because the Tesla Semi has moved into volume production and earned strong feedback from operators across the country. While several legacy truck makers now sell electric Class 8 models, few can deliver hundreds of units on a short timeline.

First EV-Ready Port in Oakland

More than 300 of the new Tesla Semis will support a joint initiative at the Port of Oakland. Ports have proven especially difficult for electrified freight because of nonstop, high-volume truck traffic between docks and distant warehouses.

The initial 50 vehicles are due in 2026 to align with the scheduled debut of WattEV charging stations at the Port of Oakland and in Fresno. Depots in Stockton are set to open later this year, and the Sacramento site will break ground in 2026. All 370 trucks are expected to be in service by the end of 2027.