SAN FRANCISCO (Xinhua) -- Tesla delivered the first batch of electric Semi trucks to PepsiCo on Thursday at an event at the Gigafactory in Sparks, Nevada, USA.

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, drove one of three Tesla Semi trucks in front of the audience inside the factory. The event was broadcast live on Twitter, which Musk now owns.

The Semi truck, which was first announced in concept form five years ago, was supposed to start in 2019, but was delayed mainly due to the global shortage of spare parts and the COVID-19 pandemic.

This vehicle is powered by four independent motors and can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 20 seconds. Its battery capacity is enough to cover a range of 500 miles (805 km) when carrying a payload of 82,000 pounds (37,195 kg). Its price may start at $150,000, according to the company.

Musk said the company intends to expand Semi truck production to 50,000 trucks in 2024 in North America.