ArcBest, an Arkansas-based logistics company, has completed a pilot of the Tesla Semi truck, concluding that the electric vehicle “generally” performed on par with traditional diesel-powered counterparts. The evaluation was conducted by its subsidiary ABF Freight over a total of 4,494 miles.
The battery-powered Semi achieved an energy efficiency of 1.55 kilowatt-hours per mile, surpassing Tesla’s own projections. On average, the truck covered about 312 miles daily during the trial. The route included challenging terrain, including the 7,200-foot Donner Pass, with drivers reporting favorable impressions of the vehicle’s visibility and cabin comfort.
Dennis Anderson, ArcBest’s chief innovation officer, emphasized the broader implications of the test. “Vehicles like the Tesla Semi highlight the progress being made and expand the boundaries of what’s possible as we work toward a more sustainable future for freight,” he said.
ABF Freight president Matt Godfrey stated that electric vehicles must match the performance and cost-effectiveness of top diesel models to be viable. “This pilot gives us great insight into the potential of EV semis in our operations,” he noted.
While the Tesla Semi demonstrated strong operational capabilities, ArcBest also pointed to a need for improved electric vehicle charging infrastructure along extended routes, a challenge common to long-haul electrification.
Separately, industrial logistics firm Thyssenkrupp recently completed a winter test of the Tesla Semi, logging over 5,000 miles in cold conditions. The Tesla Semi is rated for a 500-mile range and can gain up to 350 miles of charge when using a Megacharger.
