Alternative Fuels, Company News, Electric Trucks, International, Transport News

Tesla Semi passes US trial with flying colours

DHL Supply Chain USA is set to integrate the Tesla Semi into its fleet from 2026 following a successful trial of the truck
The new Tesla Semi.

DHL Supply Chain USA is planning to introduce Tesla’s electric truck into its fleet once large-scale production commences in 2026 following a successful trial of the vehicle in its logistics operations.

DHL integrated the truck into its operations over a two-week trial period earlier this year, during which is travelled over 5000 kilometres of normal operations in Livermore, California.

The trial included a long-haul route of 625 kilometres in which the truck was carrying a gross combined weight of 34 metric tonnes.

The truck operated at speeds exceeding 80 km/h for over half its time on the road during the trial and averaged 1.72kWh per mile.

Tesla boasts the truck as “a beast” that can deliver over triple the power of a conventional diesel semi that can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 10 seconds.

DHL says the truck’s performance exceeded the expectations of both itself and Tesla.

“Putting the Tesla Semi to the test allowed us to validate whether it could travel 500 miles with a fully loaded trailer and see what our drivers through of the truck’s performance,” a statement from DHL reads.

“We were encouraged by how quickly they gained confidence with the vehicle and leveraged the Tesla’s smart features to help improve performance, comfort, and the overall driver experience.

“Following the successful trial phase, DHL Supply Chain USA is now carefully planning how we could best integrate these electric trucks into our network as Tesla gears up for large-scale production of the Semi in 2026.”

Tesla Head of Business Development, Semi, Graham Carroll says he is pleased with the truck’s performance in live conditions through DHL’s trial.

“Maximising range and efficiency is crucial to proving that long-haul electric vehicles can perform equivalent work to diesel,” Carroll says.

“We’re excited to see DHL confirm the benefits of the Semi’s advanced technology and driver-centric features in live commercial operations.”

Tesla claims operators will save up to $150,000 in fuel within the first three years of ownership of its electric semi and has lauded its “competitive price point.”

Order books for the truck opened in 2022 with interested buyers required to put down a US$20,000 down payment, with the cost of the cheapest model starting at US$150,000.

Read more ATN:
Scania key to battery maker’s survival?
Air bp announces Avalon Airport partnership
New guidelines to limit DP World delays

Previous ArticleNext Article
  1. Australian Truck Radio Listen Live
Send this to a friend