Tesla Semi fleet real-world observations shared by PepsiCo

Tesla Semi program Senior Supervisor Dan Priestley and PepsiCo Electrification Program Supervisor Dejan Antunović’s discuss on the 2024 IAA Transportation expo in Hannover, Germany offered a whole lot of insights into the real-world functions of the manufacturing Semi. As per the 2 managers, the Tesla Semi has to this point been performing rather well for PepsiCo’s enterprise. 

Throughout their discuss, Priestley highlighted that Whole Price of Possession (TCO) is the baseline for each choice made by the Tesla Semi group. This might be seen within the firm’s efforts to drive down the price of the Semi, which is obvious in Tesla’s use of equivalent parts—similar to shows and powertrain items—as different Tesla merchandise. Finally, Priestley famous that effectivity is the largest lever in driving down the TCO of the Semi. 

The PepsiCo supervisor, for his half, defined that the adoption of the Tesla Semi within the firm’s fleet has been rather a lot smoother than he anticipated. Truck drivers have obtained the automobile rather well. Antunović shared an anecdote a couple of veteran PepsiCo truck driver who, after driving the Tesla Semi, famous that he would by no means return to diesel vans. 

Right here’s the total dialogue of Tesla Semi lead @danWpriestley and PepsiCo’s Dejan Antunović from IAA in the present day.

I’ll additionally share what I realized immediately from Dan in one other publish beneath, however right here’s what stood out to me from this 25-minute insightful discuss, with timestamps:

01:08 PepsiCo… pic.twitter.com/mw5QredxCj

— Jaan of the EV Universe ⚡ (@TheEVuniverse) September 18, 2024

The Tesla Semi is utilized in a number of of PepsiCo’s fleets. The snack and beverage large basically operates three fleets: Pepsi Drinks’ native supply fleet, which function in cities and journey about 150 km (93 miles) or much less daily; Pepsi Drinks’ Transport fleet, that are regional and journey as much as 800 km (497 miles) constantly; and Frito-Lay, which transport lighter masses over regional routes. 

Thus far, PepsiCo’s Tesla Semi fleets are working from three depots—one in Modesto; one other in Sacramento; and one other in Fresno, California. The Modesto depot operates 15 Tesla Semis that run regional long-haul routes, whereas the Sacramento depot operates 21 Tesla Semis, 18 of that are operating native routes and three of that are operating regional long-haul routes. The Fresno depot operates 50 Tesla Semis, 45 of that are used for native routes and 5 of that are used for regional long-haul routes. 

General, the dialog between Priestley and Antunović highlights the concept the Tesla Semi is already a viable substitute for standard Class 8 vans in the present day. Whereas there are nonetheless challenges for now, the Tesla Semi’s efficiency and complete price of possession are already sufficient to make the automobile a compelling funding for companies. 

Watch the Tesla and PepsiCo managers’ dialog within the video beneath. 

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Tesla Semi fleet real-world observations shared by PepsiCo