Competition In The Electric Truck Field Spells Trouble For Tesla

The article discusses the evolving competitive landscape in the electric heavy-duty truck market, highlighting challenges faced by Tesla’s Semi truck. Initially announced in 2017 with production expected by 2019, the Tesla Semi has yet to reach full production, allowing other companies to advance their zero-emission trucks. Notably, Zeem Solutions, a California startup founded in 2017, is gaining traction by offering a subscription-based electrification-as-a-service model. Zeem enables fleet owners to operate electric commercial vehicles without upfront purchase costs, positioning itself as a risk-free, streamlined path to decarbonization. While Tesla’s Semi is absent from Zeem’s current roster, the company supports other electric trucks, including the Tre model from the bankrupt Nikola startup. Zeem is aggressively expanding its EV charging infrastructure, focusing on large facilities such as airports, seaports, and transportation hubs across the U.S. Its flagship hub at Los Angeles International Airport, opened in 2021 and recently expanded, features dozens