Jay Leno, the celebrated late-night host and avid automobile enthusiast, has made his comeback after a two-year hiatus to revisit the Tesla Semi. The newest installment of his YouTube series, Jay Leno’s Garage, catches up with the two individuals behind the Tesla truck — Director of Styling, Franz von Holzhausen, and Semi Program Director, Dan Priestley — to uncover more details. Leno is examining the revised model this time, which Tesla has modified, including changes to the cab and weight.
The Tesla Semi was unveiled in 2017, with production initially slated to start in 2019. It wasn’t until 2022 that the Semi began rolling off the production line. Priced significantly higher than a standard semi-truck, around $300,000, it is still anticipated to undercut rival vehicles in the electric vehicle sector. However, it has not yet been fully launched, currently undergoing trials at companies such as Walmart, with deliveries planned for this year. Leno, predictably, has a lot to say regarding the revamped Semi, which he puts through its paces while questioning the two Tesla representatives about it.
Leno, Tesla, and trucking culture
Leno starts by highlighting that Tesla aims to “change the culture” surrounding trucking. The TV host notes that nearly every manufacturer that has created a truck has adhered to what truckers appreciate, citing that vehicles like the now-phased-out Ford F-150 Lightning retained “manly elements,” similar to prior models. A key aspect of this is the actual truck design. The sleek cab with the driver positioned centrally enables Tesla to create a thinner profile towards the top, potentially conserving energy by minimizing resistance.
Once Leno finally settles into the front cab, Priestley informs him that he is among the first to experience the updated Semi. Despite Tesla’s current standing, Leno maintains an open perspective regarding it as a substitute for traditional gas-powered trucks. He even expresses his admiration for the Semi’s design.
“Well, I’m a big fan of it,” Leno stated. “You know, anything that offers alternatives to what you have is a positive.” He relates this to the ongoing conflict in Iran, which is likely to affect oil and diesel prices in the approaching weeks, with shipping also expected to experience a price increase.
Leno is always looking ahead
Even with a new vehicle beneath him, Leno remains curious about the future of his cherished machines. With Priestley behind him, Leno questions whether Tesla has explored fusion energy. Though it is a technology pursued by nations since the 1940s, as of 2026, there exists only one operational example. The Tesla Director responds by asserting that the company is actually focusing on harnessing solar energy before considering the integration of nuclear reactors into vehicles.
So how does Leno perceive it? He describes it as “easy enough to drive,” with both agreeing it drives like a very large car. Priestley adds, “It’s a big car, very easy. It’s a fantastic experience.”
During a notably bumpy part of the discussion, Leno asks if the Semi will feature adjustable suspension, which Priestley affirms, elaborating that adjustable heights are vital for attaching the truck to its cargo. He also confirms that Tesla has established its own production line adjacent to the renowned Gigafactory in Nevada, ensuring that the sedans and other vehicles won’t interfere with production.