However, media coverage is already intense, as pundits from the clean-tech world, the trucking industry, and the stock market blogosphere weigh in. The Tesla Semi reveal is surely the most anticipated event in the EV world since Model 3 made its long-awaited debut. Why is this future vehicle generating such a massive level of interest?

Part of the reason surely lies in the potential disruption of one the world's largest and most strategic industries. As a research note from VC firm Loup Ventures explains, the trucking industry is massive. Trucks haul approximately 70% of the US's freight by weight (82% by value), burning 54.3 billion gallons of fuel each year to do so. Some 7.3 million people work in the industry – 6% of the entire working population. In 29 of the 50 states, truck driver is the most common profession. Unlike many other major industries, the trucking industry is distributed among many small businesses. As of 2016, there were 1.5 million trucking companies in the country, 97% of which operated fewer than 20 trucks (Sources: American Trucking Association, Trucker Path).