The Tesla Semi has been making waves in the trucking industry since its unveiling in 2017. While the all-electric Class 8 long-hauler is already being delivered to customers, a lot of information about the production version of the vehicle is still under wraps. However, following the delivery of more Tesla Semi units to PepsiCo earlier this week, some interesting details about the vehicle were shared.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Tesla Semi is its cost. Electric vehicles typically tend to be more expensive than their combustion-powered counterparts, and during the Semi’s unveiling, Tesla estimated that the truck’s 300-mile version would cost $150,000, and the 500-mile variant would cost $180,000.
See also: PepsiCo Takes Charge with Largest Tesla Megacharger for the All-New Semi
According to a recent comment from Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District Executive Director Alberto Ayala, the Semi’s current iteration costs more than Tesla’s initial estimate for the vehicle. In a statement to The Sacramento Bee, Ayala revealed that the District paid for 18 of the 21 Tesla Semi units that would be used at PepsiCo’s South Sacramento bottling plant using $4.5 million in grants. The cost of each truck was around $250,000, twice the price of a conventional diesel-powered Class 8 truck.
Despite the high cost, companies like PepsiCo are still willing to pay for zero-emissions vehicles like the Tesla Semi. The grants are designed to encourage companies to purchase such vehicles even if they cost a premium. Erica Edwards, Senior Vice President for Manufacturing for PepsiCo, expressed optimism about the company’s growing Tesla Semi fleet. She revealed that the Semis in PepsiCo’s fleet today typically travel about 400 miles before they need to be recharged. She also noted that PepsiCo had installed four 750 kW Tesla Megachargers at its Sacramento and Modesto facilities.
See also: Tesla to hold rare event for Semi electric truck deliveries on Dec. 1
The high cost of the Tesla Semi may initially seem like a deterrent, but it is worth considering the long-term benefits of zero-emissions vehicles. With increasing concerns about climate change and the need for sustainable transportation solutions, companies like PepsiCo are setting an example by investing in clean energy technology. As the world moves towards a greener future, it is likely that more companies will follow suit and make the switch to zero-emissions vehicles like the Tesla Semi.
