EVwire brief: Tesla's European Semi program took a major step forward, with the company appointing a Business Development Manager dedicated to launching the Tesla Semi in France, EVwire has learned.
In a LinkedIn post announcing his new role, Jean-William Dubal said he has joined Tesla as Business Development Manager to support the launch of the all-electric Class 8 truck in the French market.
Thinking of getting an EV, selling yours, or need EV accessories and adapters?
Check out our fresh EVwire EV Deals page for the discounts we’ve gathered.
Dubal is an internal hire, having served as an Account Manager for Tesla’s B2B efforts and an Enterprise Operations Coordinator in France before taking on his Semi role. He highlighted that Tesla is drawing on more than two decades of experience in electric mobility to support the transportation sector’s transition to zero-emission operations.
“I am delighted to continue the adventure by announcing my new role at Tesla as Business Development Manager SEMI for the launch of the Tesla Semi in France. Today, we are putting our 23 years of expertise in electric mobility at the service of the world of road transport in order to support them in their transition to 100% electric transport.”
Dubal’s announcement is the clearest sign yet that Tesla is intent on bringing the Tesla Semi to Europe. The Semi, with its 500-mile (~804 km) range fully loaded, could be competitive in Europe’s transportation sector. Features like Supervised FSD for the Semi coming in 2027 could also become strong selling points since it reduces strain and fatigue on long-haul drivers.
Context:
Tesla's European Semi plans have become increasingly visible in recent months. Earlier this year, EVwire reported that Tesla had posted a Tesla Semi sales role in Munich, signaling preparations for the truck's commercial rollout beyond North America.
The Tesla Semi’s center driving position makes it ready for both LHD and RHD countries.
The U.S. program is already significantly further along. Tesla began production in the Semi’s high-volume line in late April at its dedicated factory near Giga Nevada, targeting 50,000 trucks per year at full capacity. Early customers, including PepsiCo and Frito-Lay, have already operated Tesla Semis for several years, and Tesla's official Semi page lists deliveries beginning in 2026.
Europe is further back. Tesla has shown the Semi at European events, and the truck is effectively street-legal there with only minor adaptations. In a February 2026 Giga Berlin interview, Elon Musk put a loose date on it, saying the Semi would likely reach Europe in 2027.
Source: Jean-William Dubal on LinkedIn
DIG DEEPER into Tesla news on our TESLAWIRE page, and subscribe to EVwire to join 14,000+ EV geeks.
