Las Vegas
Tesla is revving up production of its electric Semi truck, announcing the delivery of 50 more units to PepsiCo, according to Dan Priestly, head of Tesla's Semi division. This news follows a successful performance by PepsiCo's initial fleet of 21 Semis, which exceeded expectations during a real-world test run last year.
Priestly made the announcement at the ACT Expo clean transportation conference, highlighting the impressive results from the North American Council for Freight Efficiency's Run on Less event. The PepsiCo Semis averaged more miles driven per day than any other participating vehicle, showcasing the potential of Tesla's electric trucks to disrupt the heavy-duty trucking industry.
This conference appearance marks a potential shift in transparency for Tesla. The Semi has garnered significant industry attention, but the company has faced criticism for its secretive approach to development. Priestly acknowledged the scepticism, even addressing rumours about the trucks hauling chips — clarifying they actually transport beverages for PepsiCo. He also poked fun at Tesla's history of delayed production timelines, stating, "Tesla has a specialty, and that is turning the impossible into merely late."
Looking ahead, Priestly hinted at broader commercialization plans. Tesla intends to deliver Semis to additional customers in 2026, underlining their commitment to the electric trucking market. He emphasised the company's expertise in electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, suggesting they're well-positioned to tackle the challenges of large-scale electric trucking adoption.
Despite the limited number of Semis currently on the road compared to competitors, PepsiCo's successful use case demonstrates the vehicle's potential. Tesla's pledge for wider deliveries in 2026 sends a strong message – the company is serious about making electric trucks a mainstream reality.
One PepsiCo Tesla travelled 1,076 miles in a single day with three relatively brief 750-kilowatt fast-charging stops that brought the battery's charge to roughly 47 percent, then 89 percent and then 52 percent. The company said 60 percent of the miles driven over the 18 days were with a gross vehicle weight, which includes freight, of more than over 70,000 pounds. That is near the 82,000-pound limit for zero-emission semi tractor-trailer combos and a weight typical of the logistics industry.