The Autonomous Trucking Race: Tesla Semi vs MAN vs Mercedes in 2026 | Taha Abbasi

Three Giants Battle for the Electric Trucking Crown

Taha Abbasi compares the three leading electric semi truck programs — Tesla Semi, MAN eTruck, and Mercedes eActros — as the race to dominate commercial electrification intensifies in 2026.

The electric trucking market is no longer a one-horse race. While Tesla's Semi grabbed early headlines and PepsiCo fleet deployments, European heavyweights MAN and Mercedes-Benz have been quietly building competitive programs. In February 2026, all three are demonstrating real capabilities: Tesla is preparing mass production and expanding its Megacharger network, MAN just proved megawatt charging works in subzero Swedish conditions, and Mercedes delivered its first eActros 600 in Chile.

Tesla Semi: The Software-Defined Truck

Tesla's advantage is integration. The Semi shares architecture with Tesla's passenger vehicles, including the same neural network approach to Autopilot and eventually FSD. The Megacharger network is purpose-built for Tesla trucks. And over-the-air updates mean every Semi on the road improves continuously.

As Taha Abbasi observes, Tesla's Semi is the only electric truck that could plausibly drive itself in the medium term. That changes the economics entirely — if a truck doesn't need a driver, the cost per mile drops dramatically.

MAN eTruck: The Cold Weather Champion

MAN's demonstration of megawatt charging in subzero conditions addressed one of the biggest concerns about electric trucking in Northern climates. The eTruck is built on decades of MAN's heavy-duty trucking expertise, with a focus on durability and serviceability that fleet operators trust.

Mercedes eActros 600: The Global Expander

Mercedes is playing the geographic expansion game, deploying the eActros in markets like Chile while maintaining strong European presence. The 600 kWh battery provides over 300 miles of range — sufficient for most regional hauling operations.

Who Wins?

Taha Abbasi believes the market is large enough for multiple winners, but Tesla's integrated approach — vehicle + charging network + autonomous capability — gives it the strongest long-term position. MAN and Mercedes will dominate in markets where their dealer and service networks provide an advantage. The real winner is the logistics industry, which finally has viable electric alternatives to diesel.

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About the Author: Taha Abbasi is a technology executive, CTO, and applied frontier tech builder. Read more on Grokpedia | YouTube: The Brown Cowboy | tahaabbasi.com