Tesla Semi Revolutionizes Commercial Transport and Sustainability Goals

In a rapidly evolving landscape of commercial logistics, the Tesla Semi has emerged as a game-changer, significantly impacting the sustainability goals of major corporations like Pepsi. With 21 Tesla Semis now in operation at Pepsi's facility in Sacramento, California, the beverage giant is making significant strides toward reducing its carbon footprint. These electric trucks, alongside battery forklifts, Ford eTransit vans, and other Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), are playing a pivotal role in Pepsi's multi-year effort to operate its full logistical load in a more sustainable manner.

Photo credit: NECFE

Amanda DeVoe, Pepsi's Transformation and Strategy Director, emphasized the importance of battery electric vehicles in their operations. Given Pepsi's daily delivery routes covering predominantly under 100 miles, which typically run for around 12 hours a day, EVs are a perfect fit. According to DeVoe, "Battery electric vehicles are essential for us." The Tesla Semi, specifically, has become indispensable to the company's short-range travel needs, shuttling goods from Pepsi's distribution warehouse in Sacramento to various destinations.

While most of the Tesla Semis in Pepsi's fleet cater to short-range deliveries, three of them are dedicated to long-haul routes spanning 250 to 450 miles. Dejan Antunović, Pepsi's Electrification Program Manager, highlighted the Semi's efficiency during long-haul journeys, particularly on the return trip from Sacramento to Nevada. Regenerative braking allows the Semis to recapture energy, enhancing their range significantly. To support these electric giants, Tesla's Megacharger network ensures rapid charging, with vehicles reaching a 95 percent state of charge within 20 to 30 minutes.

The drivers and fleet managers also commend the Semi's comfortable interior and user-friendly design, making it an attractive choice for long hours on the road. However, what makes Pepsi's EV transition even more remarkable is its accelerated timeline. The adoption of EVs at the plant, driven by the Tesla Semi, has pushed the project years ahead of schedule.

The Tesla Semi at NACFE's "Run on Less – Electric DEPOT"

The Tesla Semi isn't just making waves at Pepsi's facility; it's also the center of attention at the North American Council for Freight Efficiency's (NACFE) event, "Run on Less – Electric DEPOT." This three-week-long assessment of electric vehicle fleets will feature 21 commercial EVs, but the Tesla Semi stands out as the star of the show.

NACFE's event, dedicated to tracking the performance and activity of these electric trucks, aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the benefits and challenges of battery electric trucks in commercial applications. One of the key focuses is evaluating the total electric energy and fuel usage across all trucks on a daily basis, shedding light on the potential energy savings when Class 8 trucks transition to EVs.

Participating trucks cover various scenarios, including urban delivery, fruit and vegetable deliveries, terminal tractor applications, short-haul and long-haul transport, business and residential package delivery, and more. Among the fleet, two Tesla Semis from Pepsi's Sacramento depot are being closely monitored during heavy-load long-haul transport operations.

Mike Roeth, NACFE's Executive Director, acknowledges the significance of fleets investing in electric vehicles, especially within depot operations. He notes the benefits and challenges, particularly surrounding infrastructure and charging, and highlights the importance of leading fleets sharing their experiences with the broader industry.

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 Source: Teslarati

Tesla Semi Takes the Lead

Among the 21 EVs in the assessment, the Tesla Semi stands out prominently. NACFE's press release explicitly mentions the Semi, and it's no surprise why. The Semi's potential to revolutionize commercial transport is on full display, backed by real-world data from events like "Run on Less – Electric DEPOT."