Source – CNBC
Tesla is gearing up to significantly increase deliveries of its electric Semi trucks to PepsiCo, its principal customer, as the company prepares for volume production. The Tesla Semi program has experienced notable delays since its unveiling in 2017. Initially slated for production in 2019, the electric truck only entered limited production in late 2022.
For over a year, the Semi was primarily used internally by Tesla and by PepsiCo. Recently, however, the electric vehicle has been spotted with several new customers. In the last month, Martin Brower and food distribution giant Sysco were seen using the Tesla Semi. Additionally, Walmart and Costco have recently begun testing the vehicle.
Expanding Production Capabilities
Despite these developments, Tesla is currently producing the Semi in low volumes as it works on expanding its Gigafactory Nevada to accommodate a new high-volume production line. The company has announced plans for the Semi to enter volume production by late next year, with broader customer deliveries expected to commence in 2026.
During this interim period, PepsiCo remains Tesla’s primary customer for the electric truck. At the ACT Expo, Dan Priestley, head of the Tesla Semi program, addressed the delays and the program’s status. He acknowledged the challenges faced but emphasized Tesla’s commitment to overcoming them, highlighting the company’s track record of transforming the impossible into merely delayed achievements.
Innovative Design and Future Prospects
Priestley also pointed out Tesla’s advantage in the heavy-duty trucking market due to its dedicated electric platform, a feature not commonly found among legacy truck makers. He emphasized the design efficiency of the Tesla Semi, noting that it was built to be electric from the ground up, ensuring optimal integration between the powertrain and the vehicle. This design eliminates wasted space and enhances performance.
With a 500-mile range and megawatt charging capabilities, the Tesla Semi allows for direct diesel-to-electric truck swaps without compromising operational efficiency. Priestley reported that the Tesla Semi in PepsiCo’s fleet averages 1.7 kilowatt hours per mile, even when carrying heavy loads of beverages, demonstrating the vehicle’s robust performance. As Tesla prepares for full-scale production, the company remains optimistic about the future of electric heavy-duty trucking.
