OAKLAND, CA — WattEV has placed a blockbuster order for 370 Tesla Semi Class 8 electric trucks, marking the largest single deployment of zero-emission heavy-duty trucks in California history. More than 300 of those vehicles will operate under a joint program with the Port of Oakland, accelerating the region's transition to clean freight transport.
“This is a game-changer for California's ambitious climate goals,” said Dr. Elena Reeves, WattEV’s chief sustainability officer. “By partnering with the Port of Oakland and Tesla, we are replacing thousands of diesel-hauling miles with clean, electric power.” The order comes as Tesla begins high-volume production of the Semi at its dedicated factory adjacent to Gigafactory Nevada, with the first truck rolling off the line just days ago.
Background
California has set some of the strictest emissions targets in the nation, requiring a shift to zero-emission trucks for drayage and short-haul routes by 2035. WattEV, a leading developer of electric truck charging infrastructure, has been at the forefront of this transition.
The company’s order for 370 Tesla Semis—more than the entire current fleet of many major carriers—positions it as a dominant player in the emerging electric truck market. The first vehicles are expected to begin trials later this year, with full deployment slated for 2025.
Tesla’s new Semi factory, purpose-built near Reno, Nevada, is designed to eventually produce tens of thousands of units annually. The initial run includes a 500-mile range version and a 300-mile variant optimized for regional routes like those at the Port of Oakland.
What This Means
The WattEV order sends a powerful signal that electric trucking is moving from pilot projects to scale. For ports and logistics companies, it demonstrates that battery-electric Class 8 vehicles can handle heavy loads and long hours—at a lower total cost of ownership than diesel.
“This deployment will create a template for other ports across the U.S. and beyond,” said Mark Tan, a transportation analyst at GreenTech Consulting. “The combination of Tesla’s production capacity and WattEV’s charging network could finally unlock the electric truck revolution.” Critics note that grid upgrades and charging costs remain challenges, but supporters point to falling battery prices and expanding zero-emission incentives as key enablers.
For California, the project directly supports its goal of putting 100,000 zero-emission trucks on the road by 2030. The Port of Oakland alone handles millions of containers annually; electrifying its drayage fleet could cut local air pollution by tens of tons per year. Read more about the background or jump to the analysis section.