Summary
– PepsiCo has been successful in using the Tesla Semi trucks in its fleet
– Additional 50 units of the Tesla Semi are being delivered to PepsiCo
– PepsiCo mostly uses the trucks to haul beverages, not just lighter items like chips
– During a test event, a PepsiCo Tesla Semi traveled 1,076 miles in one day
– Tesla is planning to deliver more trucks to other customers this year as well
Article
PepsiCo’s Tesla Semi pilot program has been successful, with plans underway to deliver 50 more units of the all-electric Class 8 truck to the company. The vehicles that have already been delivered have been performing well, surpassing expectations during real-world performance tests. PepsiCo’s fleet of 21 Tesla Semi units traveled more miles per day on average compared to its peers, as highlighted during the North American Council for Freight Efficiency’s Run on Less event.
During a talk at the ACT Expo clean transportation conference, Dan Priestley, Senior Manager of the Tesla Semi program, announced that the company is building more trucks this year and is set to deliver additional units to other customers. Priestley also debunked rumors that the Tesla Semi trucks have mostly been hauling chips, stating that PepsiCo’s fleet has mainly been transporting beverages. Last year’s Run on Less event showcased the impressive performance of one PepsiCo Tesla Semi, which traveled 1,076 miles in one day and made three quick fast charging stops.
The Tesla Semi executive emphasized that the trucks at PepsiCo are not performing easier tasks compared to their diesel-powered counterparts, despite misconceptions about the type of cargo being transported. The vehicles have been proven to handle long distances with heavy loads, with 60% of the miles driven tracked at a gross vehicle weight of over 70,000 pounds. This demonstrates the capability of the Tesla Semi to perform efficiently in real-world conditions and challenges common misconceptions about all-electric Class 8 trucks.
With plans to deliver more units to PepsiCo and other customers, Tesla is solidifying its position in the electric truck market. The success of the Tesla Semi pilot program at PepsiCo serves as a testament to the performance and reliability of the vehicles, showcasing their ability to outperform traditional diesel-powered trucks in terms of mileage and efficiency. The company’s commitment to sustainable transportation solutions is highlighted through the continued expansion of the Tesla Semi program.
Despite the initial delays in the production of the Tesla Semi, the vehicles that have been delivered have been well-received and have demonstrated impressive performance in real-world conditions. With plans to deliver additional units to PepsiCo and other customers, Tesla is on track to revolutionize the Class 8 trucking industry with its all-electric vehicles. The success of the pilot program at PepsiCo serves as a strong indication of the potential of the Tesla Semi to drive the transition towards cleaner and more sustainable transportation options.
As Tesla continues to expand its presence in the commercial trucking sector, the company is paving the way for a future of electric transportation. The success of the Tesla Semi pilot program at PepsiCo and the plans to deliver more units to other customers indicate a growing demand for all-electric Class 8 trucks. With the performance and efficiency of the vehicles already proven in real-world conditions, the Tesla Semi is poised to become a game-changer in the trucking industry and lead the shift towards cleaner and more sustainable transportation solutions.
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