Despite previous delays and modest expectations, Tesla is actively preparing for a significant ramp-up of Semi truck production, with construction underway on the assembly line at a new factory near Reno, Nevada, scheduled for 2026.

Mass production of the Tesla Semi is scheduled for 2026 at a dedicated factory in Reno, Nevada, following successful pilot testing and positive driver reviews, signaling a major ramp-up despite initial low expectations.

Tesla shared its ambitious plans during a meeting with Piper Sandler, including updates on the Semi, Optimus robot, Robotaxi expansion, and FSD technology, highlighting ongoing developments and future growth strategies.

Tesla is set to launch FSD version 14 in September or October, promising major improvements that could enable Tesla owners to use the software in Robotaxi operations, subject to regulatory approval.

The pilot testing of the Tesla Semi with companies like Frito-Lay and PepsiCo has been successful, and positive driver feedback indicates readiness for mass production.

Tesla maintains a strong confidence in its future, with Piper Sandler reaffirming an 'Overweight' stock rating and a $400 target price, citing advancements in self-driving technology and overall company prospects.

Elon Musk emphasized that the upcoming Full Self-Driving (FSD) version 14, expected in September or October, will feature significant improvements such as higher parameter counts and reduced driver nagging, potentially enabling Tesla vehicles to operate as Robotaxis pending regulatory approval.

Despite regulatory skepticism, Tesla's FSD progress continues with Musk highlighting safety testing and data collection, which analysts believe could diminish regulatory concerns over time.

Tesla's humanoid robot, Optimus, is expected to begin handling tasks like moving and staging parts inside factories by 2026, with a projected cost of around $100,000, and could serve as a cost-effective labor solution both inside and outside Tesla, working up to 18 hours daily.

Outside Tesla, Optimus has the potential to be a cost-efficient manual labor alternative, which supports its projected unit cost if it can operate at high capacity.

The company faces cost pressures from higher tariffs expected later this year, which could add a few thousand dollars to the cost of each vehicle, while changes to U.S. tax credits are influencing customer purchase timing.

Tesla has expanded its Robotaxi service in Austin to over 170 square miles, nearly doubling since late June, with a fleet that has increased by 50%, marking significant progress in autonomous ride-hailing.

Demand for Tesla’s lower-priced vehicles is expected to help offset some of the increased costs from tariffs and regulatory changes, supporting the company's financial outlook.