DHL declares: 'Tesla Semi is ready for prime time'

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Updated Oct 18, 2024
DHL testing Tesla Semi
Logistics and shipping giant DHL confirms it completed a two-week-long test of the Tesla Semi, driving 390 miles on a single charge while carrying a gross combined weight of 75,000 pounds.
DHL

The Tesla Semi may have just reached a major milestone a few months before series production is slated to get underway. DHL has confirmed that it put an early build Tesla Semi through two weeks of heavy testing last summer and not only did the results exceed the company's expectations, but also declared the battery-electric truck is now "ready for prime time."

[Related: Tesla Semi program manager gives most detailed update on its BEV to date]

DHL Supply Chain USA's two weeks with the vehicle consisted of integrating it into 3,000 miles of normal operations out of Livermore, California. The trial included at least one fully-loaded long haul drive consisting of 390 miles with a gross combined weight of 75,000 pounds, confirming the vehicle ability to haul DHL's necessary payloads over a long distance (500 miles) on a single charge. The results?

An average of 1.72 kWh/mile operating at speeds in excess of 50 mph on average for over half of its road time. DHL says this "result exceeded our expectations and even Tesla's own rating."

The company says it's now planning how it could best integrate the Semi into its fleet network ahead of its planned 2026 series production start date, though Tesla has not made an official announcement at this time.

The shipping and logistics giant initially placed an order for 10 Semis back in 2017. There's no word yet whether DHL intends to increase this figure. 

Tesla is currently building a brand-new factory specifically for Semi production next to its already up and running battery factory in Nevada. The OEM says its goals is to build 50,000 Semis annually. 

[Related: Tesla Semis spotted outside Nevada factory]

Tesla revealed the Semi back in 2017 and production was supposedly set to get underway in 2020. Like many of Tesla's deadlines, this one was also not met; the first examples didn't appear until late 2022. 

So far, an estimated 70 examples have rolled off the production line. However, most of those went to PepsiCo, the biggest fleet known to be testing them in real world operations. The beverage and food giant is testing around 15 Semis in the Modesto, California area and another 21 in Sacramento. Walmart and Costco have also reportedly taken delivery of a very limited number of Semis for their own testing purposes. 

Tesla has not announced final pricing but there was a $20,000 deposit per unit. It stopped taking reservations in August 2022 and no update has been provided regarding a resumption. 

Pricing for the 300-mile range Semi could begin at $150,000 and $180,000 for the 500-mile version, though these figures are subject to change.

Jay Traugott has covered the automotive and transportation sector for over a decade and now serves as Senior Editor for Clean Trucking. He holds a drifting license and has driven on some of the world's best race tracks, including the Nurburgring and Spa. He lives near Boulder, Colorado, and spends his free time snowboarding, climbing, and hiking. He can be reached atΒ [email protected].

Hydrogen Fuel Cell & BEV Survey
The following survey was sent as a link in an email cover message in February 2023 to the newsletter lists for Overdrive and CCJ. After approximately two weeks, a total of 176 owner-operators under their own authority, 113 owner-operators leased or assigned to a carrier and 82 fleet executives and 36 fleet employees from fleets with 10 or more power units had completed and submitted the questionnaire for a total of 407 qualified responses. Cross-tabulations based on respondent type are provided for each question when applicable.
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