Electric-powered Tesla Semi trucks have spared over 3.7 million liters of diesel fuel.
The Tesla Semi, unveiled in 2017, has been making waves in the freight industry with its impressive energy efficiency and environmental benefits. Recently, the Tesla Semi's fleet has expanded its operation out of PepsiCo's Sacramento depot, following the successful completion of the "Run of Less" challenge in late 2023.
During the challenge, Tesla Semi trucks demonstrated a significant reduction in diesel consumption in the freight industry. Operating with higher energy efficiency compared to traditional diesel trucks, the Semis achieved energy efficiency better than 1.7 kWh per mile. This translates to lower operational energy costs and implied reductions in diesel fuel use since electric power replaces diesel combustion.
Following the challenge, Tesla Semi pilot programs with major logistics companies like ArcBest, Thyssenkrupp, and ABF Freight in 2025 have confirmed the Semi's real-world efficiency, reliability, and strong performance in freight transport. For instance, ABF Freight's pilot logged nearly 4,500 miles with an average energy efficiency of 1.55 kWh per mile, outperforming previous Run of Less energy benchmarks.
Thyssenkrupp reported that the Tesla Semi easily met heavy-duty operational demands, enabling plans to integrate the vehicle into their fleet due to cost savings and sustainability benefits. ArcBest also experienced notable reductions in fuel costs and greenhouse gas emissions, emphasising the Semi's potential to decarbonize freight logistics while maintaining performance.
These pilot programs collectively show that Tesla Semis are accelerating the freight industry's shift away from diesel by delivering improved energy efficiency, lowering operational costs, and reducing carbon footprints. With volume production expected to start late in 2024, the Tesla Semi is poised to have a growing impact on reducing diesel consumption in heavy-duty trucking.
In Australia, Riz Akhtar, a mechanical engineer and founder of carloop, is passionate about reducing transport emissions. Akhtar spent 7 years building transport infrastructure before founding carloop and is currently driving a red Tesla Model 3. Akhtar's vision aligns with the Tesla Semi's mission, as the truck has saved over 3.7 million litres of diesel, equivalent to 1 million gallons, since its introduction.
Notably, PepsiCo announced plans to double its Tesla Semi fleet to 50 operating out of its Fresno, California facility. PepsiCo was one of the earliest customers with pre-orders after the launch event, and Tesla delivered the first Semi trucks to PepsiCo in late 2022.
In addition, Tesla Semis have been spotted being used by Walmart and Costco, indicating potential mass production. During one test, a Tesla Semi electric truck covered 1,732 km in a single day, outperforming all other heavy electric trucks.
As the Tesla Semi continues to prove its efficiency and environmental benefits, it is expected to have a significant impact on the logistics industry and the reduction of diesel use in transport emissions. Tesla is currently building a mass-production factory for the Semi at its Nevada Gigafactory, signalling the company's commitment to the Semi's success. With its lower drag coefficient of 0.4, the Tesla Semi is set to revolutionise the freight industry for years to come.
- The Tesla Semi's impressive energy efficiency and environmental benefits have caught the attention of the freight industry, particularly in the areas of environmental-science and sustainable-living.
- Apart from the freight industry, Tesla Semis have also been used in other sectors, such as home-and-garden, demonstrated by their usage by Walmart and Costco.
- The expansion of Tesla Semi's operation with PepsiCo and other major logistics companies like ArcBest, Thyssenkrupp, and ABF Freight is a testament to the technology's potential to impact various lifestyles, particularly those interested in reducing carbon footprints.
- The increasing adoption of electric-vehicles, like the Tesla Semi, in the freight industry could potentially lead to a significant reduction in climate-change and air pollution, contributing positively to scientific advancements in environmental science.
