According to a release from FreightWaves, DHL Supply Chain has announced the delivery of its first all-electric Tesla Semi. This deployment is part of the less-than-truckload carrier’s commitment to reduce its CO2 emissions to 29 million metric tons by 2030 and to achieve a net-zero carbon footprint by 2050.
While this is the first Tesla Semi for DHL, the company reported it already operates more than 150 Class 8 electric vehicles in North America. The Tesla joined the fleet following a successful pilot program in Livermore, California, where the truck covered more than 3,000 regular routes. During testing, the Tesla Semi averaged 1.72 kWh per mile while hauling a combined gross weight of 75,000 pounds along a 390-mile route. The release noted that the lower total combined weight, compared to the legal maximum of 80,000 pounds for diesel semis, is due to the added weight from the battery packs.
“Our pilot of the Tesla Semi exceeded expectations, proving its ability to efficiently haul typical DHL freight over long distances on a single charge,” said Jim Monkmeyer, president of transportation for DHL Supply Chain North America.
The truck will operate from its new home in Central California, traveling approximately 100 miles per day and requiring a charge about once per week. DHL stated the Semi has a range of 500 miles when fully loaded and is estimated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50 metric tons per year. “Integrating the Tesla Semi into our fleet is an important step toward achieving our decarbonization goals and delivering more sustainable solutions for our customers,” Monkmeyer added. “With its range of up to 500 miles, the Semi unlocks opportunities that were previously beyond the limits of heavy-duty EVs, and were excited to partner with Tesla to make that a reality.”
DHL noted it plans to add more Tesla Semi trucks next year as Tesla ramps up volume production.
