Artful Dodger
"Neko no me"
I believe you're overthinking this. Years ago (shortly after Semi was unveiled), Elon told us that Tesla would be its own first customer, using the logistics route between Giga Nevada and Fremont to prove the Semi design in actual operations.
They futher annnounced that certain key partners would get the 2nd batch of Semi's (eg: PepsiCo bottler in the SF Bay area). That's likely end of 2021, given estimates of Tesla's internal needs (~500 tractors for their W. coast logistics), and the estimated production volume ramp (up to ~100 semi's/wk by year end).
But the most direct statement of intent was made by Elon way, way back in his 1st "Secret Master Plan": (published Aug 2, 2006)
In order to achieve the Mission of accelerating the world's transition to sustainable energy, Tesla must sell it's products to 3rd parties. Otherwise, the diesel-fueled freightliners of this world have no competition for purchase by fleet operators, and will thereby drag their feet in the switch to sustainable transport.
Look for Tesla Semi routes to be dotted with Megachargers, powered by Megapacks charged from solar farms. It's part of the Master Plan from 2006. Now Tesla is on the verge of extending that goal to heavy trucking. I expect by the 20th aniversary of Elon's blog post, we'll see Tesla Semi routes across the U.S. powered by the Sun and operating 100% fossil-free (net-zero carbon).
But Tesla's competitors will only make the switch if their established business line is threatened. Only by taking sales away from diesel truck makers will those manufacturers be forced to switch to electric technology. Develop their own EV tech; license from Tesla; or die: It's the invisible hand.
Tesla has long said it can't do it alone. But it can accelerate the transition by using the power of the free market, through competition based on the superior economics of renewables. It's a clean, bright future (and a very profitable one for Tesla investors).
Cheers!
