Electrifying the Road: PepsiCo’s Journey with Tesla Semi Trucks

Posted bychadcherf Leave a comment on Electrifying the Road: PepsiCo’s Journey with Tesla Semi Trucks

In the ever-evolving landscape of transportation, the push towards sustainability has taken center stage. Leading the charge is PepsiCo, a global food and beverage leader, which has made a significant leap forward by integrating Tesla Semi trucks into its fleet. This move is not just about modernizing transport but also about PepsiCo’s commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2040.

The Partnership with Tesla

PepsiCo’s partnership with Tesla began in 2017 when it placed an order for 100 Tesla Semi trucks. The goal was clear: to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution associated with their transportation needs. As of now, PepsiCo operates about 21 Tesla Semis, primarily in its Sacramento facility, which has been completely electrified and is solar-powered.

Real-World Performance

The real-world performance of the Tesla Semi trucks has been impressive. Data from the “Run On Less” event, which tracks the performance of electric vehicles, shows that Tesla Semis can cover significant distances on a single charge. For instance, one of the trucks achieved 335 miles with 17.5% state-of-charge (SOC) left in the battery, while another managed an impressive 377 miles with just 1.6% SOC remaining.

Overcoming Supply Challenges

Despite the promising start, PepsiCo has faced challenges with the supply of Tesla Semi trucks. Initially, PepsiCo had only received 36 of the promised 100 trucks. This shortfall has highlighted the difficulties Tesla faces as it seeks to become a high-volume player in the truck manufacturing business. Other would-be Tesla customers, including Sysco, UPS, and Walmart Canada, continue to wait for their Tesla Semi trucks and are turning to rival electric-truck makers.

The Road Ahead

PepsiCo’s journey with Tesla Semi trucks is a testament to the company’s dedication to sustainability. By pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with electric trucks, PepsiCo is setting an example for others in the industry. The partnership between Tesla and PepsiCo isn’t just about two companies; it’s a symbol of the broader transformation in the trucking industry towards cleaner heavy haulage, renewable energy, and technological innovation.

As PepsiCo continues to deploy more Tesla Semis and upgrade its facilities to accommodate them, the company is paving the way for a greener future in commercial transportation. With the Tesla Semi’s real-world performance exceeding expectations and PepsiCo’s commitment to a zero-emissions future, the electrification of the road has never looked more promising.

Sources

Reuters: “Tesla Semi trucks in short supply as PepsiCo and its rivals use competing EV big rigs”

CNN: “PepsiCo operates about 21 Tesla Semi trucks in bid to be carbon neutral by 2040”

CCJ Digital: “PepsiCo on Tesla Semi’s real-world hauling performance”

The Street: “Elon Musk & Tesla making big move with Pepsi”

Published by chadcherf

Chad grew up in a that family owned hotels, restaurants, a bar, and a catering venue. Some of his earliest memories were prying bottle caps out of floor mats on Saturday mornings. My mother, is the daughter or an immigrant Italian and Liquor Salesman. It was not uncommon, as a child, for the beautifully fragrant aroma of garlic to fill up the house in their marathon like daily cooking events. It was the merger of this influence that led to my love of food and the joy the Hospitality industry could bring to people. In my 20's I managed Fine Dining to Fast Casual Restaurants, nightclubs, sports bars, and Healthcare Dining while obtaining a comprehensive Hospitality centered education. At 30, I hung up the proverbial chef's hat. Having been in the first main stream generation raised with computer technology, I was fascinated by the role this was evolving to play in hospitality. Early adoptors of inventory, POS, reservation, and nutritional software had paved my youth, so it was a natural transition to move to rebranding myself. For the last 14 years I have been Selling, Implementing, Project Managing, and Strategic Planning, Point of Sale, Nutrition, Digital Display, and Reservation Technology. For the last 5 years I have been focusing on Hospitality technology in the Senior Living Space. There is an inherent passion here, because those parents that instilled my love of food service, will be that new baby boomer generation relying on technological innovation. They deserve the most dignified solutions I can create. Reach out to network with me.

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