In a captivating video shedding light on the future of trucking, Pepsico delves into the extensive utilization of its fleet of Tesla Semi electric trucks. While Tesla’s electric semi trucks remain limited in numbers, a substantial portion is believed to be actively operating within Pepsico’s fleet, particularly at its fully electrified and solar-powered facility in Sacramento.
Produced by the North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE), the recently released video provides comprehensive insights into Pepsico’s seamless integration of the Tesla Semi trucks into their operations.
Pepsico primarily employs the 21 Tesla Semi electric trucks for deliveries within a 100-mile radius, involving multiple stops. These vehicles operate efficiently for up to 12 hours per day, showcasing their capability in short-haul transportation.
Dejan Antunovic, Electrification Program Manager at Pepsico, reveals that three of the Tesla Semi trucks are dedicated to long-haul trucking, covering routes spanning between 250 to 450 miles. To support this endeavour, Tesla has installed 750 kW Megachargers at Pepsico facilities, enabling rapid charging to 80% capacity in less than 45 minutes.
Implementing such high-capacity charging infrastructure at facilities has proven challenging for Pepsico. However, the experience has provided valuable insights, which will be used to strategize the electrification of future depots.
Antunovic expresses satisfaction with the performance of the Tesla Semi trucks, particularly highlighting the benefits of regenerative braking. Illustrating this, he explains that during descents down the Donner Pass en route to Nevada, the Tesla Semi efficiently recuperated energy through braking, rendering it energy neutral.
With Tesla Semi trucks, Pepsico has achieved an average energy efficiency of 1.7 kWh per mile, a remarkable feat which has notably improved over the last few months. This impressive efficiency translates into substantial fuel cost savings, amounting to approximately 23% compared to the most efficient diesel trucks, when considering the off-peak electricity rate in Sacramento at $0.14 per kWh.
Notably, the video also features feedback from several Tesla Semi truck drivers, who express contentment with the electric trucks. One driver commends the comfort and ease of driving, in addition to the remarkable front-end visibility.
Looking ahead, Pepsico remains steadfast in its commitment to achieving complete emissions removal from its operations by 2040. To realise this goal, the company has placed significant orders for electric trucks, including one of the largest orders for Tesla Semi trucks.
