Tesla Semi is one of the most innovative commercial vehicles to hit the market in the heavy trucking sector in recent years. It launched in 2022 with PepsiCo and Frito-Lay being one of the first big customers to receive this vehicle.Ā
Since then, several videos and articles have been published, outlining the capabilities and technological advancements the Semi offers while itās used to haul goods around for PepsiCo and Frito-Lay.
Now two other major global retail brands have been spotted with having their goods delivered by Tesla Semi, including department and retail store giant Costco which had one of its branded trailers being loaded in Santa Cruz, California.Ā
Joaquin shared a video of the Tesla Semi at a loading bay on X and confirmed that the driver seemed to enjoy the improved driving experience with the Tesla Semi on the highway.
Tesla semi at Costco in Santa Cruz. Driver loved the drive over highway 17. And down it! pic.twitter.com/0oVWnFNQY8
— Joaquin (@Joaquin03114400) May 7, 2024
In recent days, another Semi was also spotted on a highway in Stockton, California. This time around, it was captured by AcceleratingTech and showed āWalmart Transportation LLCā as the company operating the truck.
The video in the post also shows Walmart branding on the trailer along with a message encouraging drivers to apply to drive for Walmart.
With traditional diesel trucks being noisy and come with vibrations throughout the cabin, itās encouraging to see Walmart promote hiring of drivers on cleaners electric trucks like the Tesla Semi.
ā”ļø WALMART Electric Tesla Semi truck spotted in Stockton, CA! Is this their first test truck from Tesla? From my brother on May 3. @SawyerMerritt @SERobinsonJr @teslaownersSV @TeslaClubSoCal @teslaownersSV @DillonLoomis22 @DMC_Ryan @ryanshawtech @DennisCW_ @BeardedTesla pic.twitter.com/YCLJ6E7E9q
— Accelerating.Tech (@AcceleratingTec) May 4, 2024
In October last year. Jay Leno also got behind the wheel of the truck and compared the key differences between normal diesel trucks and electric trucks. The Tesla Semiās ride according to Leno was smooth and efficient and also quite comfortable.Ā
Previously, PepsiCo participated in the Run for Less challenge which is organised by an independent organisation in the US, the North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE). In that challenge, the event organisers the trucks had an average loads of 31.8 tonnes (70,000 lbs).
One of the Tesla Semi trucks that participated was able to complete a 1,732 km (1,076 miles) run in a single day. During the 1,732 km of travel, that particular truck only made three charging stops with the longest charging session lasting for an hour.
Itās exciting to see Teslaās Semi making its way to more customers which will help Tesla get more feedback as the leading electric car brand in the US aims to put their biggest product into mass production.
RizĀ is the founder of carloop based in Melbourne, specialising in Australian EV data, insight reports and trends. He is a mechanical engineer who spent the first 7 years of his career building transport infrastructure before starting carloop. He has a passion for cars, particularly EVs and wants to help reduce transport emissions in Australia. He currently drives a red Tesla Model 3.