PepsiCo is set to expand its Tesla Semi charging infrastructure with the construction of 18 new Megacharger stalls at its Charlotte, North Carolina, facility, according to newly revealed permitting documents. The plans, shared Friday by Tesla infrastructure observer MarcoRP, also include three Tesla Megapack energy storage systems.
The chargers are designed to deliver up to 1 megawatt (MW) of power, capable of recharging Tesla’s electric Class 8 truck to about 70% capacity in approximately 30 minutes, based on Tesla’s specifications. The setup marks another step in PepsiCo’s ongoing efforts to electrify its logistics operations with Tesla Semi trucks.
PepsiCo became the first commercial customer to deploy the Tesla Semi in 2023, beginning with a fleet of 15 vehicles. The company has since expanded its operations, including the delivery of 50 additional units in California. By the end of last year, PepsiCo’s Semi fleet totaled approximately 86 units, according to Tesla Semi Senior Manager Dan Priestley.
The Charlotte charging hub follows similar installations at PepsiCo facilities in Modesto, Sacramento, and Fresno, California. Tesla has also submitted plans for 12 new Megacharging stalls in Los Angeles County, signaling continued infrastructure growth to support commercial vehicle deployments.
Speaking on PepsiCo’s experience with the electric trucks, Priestley noted positive feedback from fleet operators. “The drivers really liked the Semi and wouldn’t plan on going back to diesel trucks,” he said during an earlier company presentation.
Tesla is also progressing on a dedicated production facility for the Semi at its Gigafactory in Nevada. The plant is expected to eventually reach an annual production capacity of 50,000 units, supporting broader commercial adoption of electric freight vehicles in the coming years.
