DHL, one of the world’s largest logistics companies, conducted a comprehensive trial of the Tesla Semi. Following its order in 2017, the Tesla Semi suffered multiple production setbacks before being put into service. But it seems like the wait was worthwhile. During a two-week trial this past summer, DHL tested the vehicle in actual US operations.
DHL’s Long-Awaited Tesla Semi Trial
In 2017, DHL placed an order for 10 Tesla Semis. The electric truck had production setbacks for seven years before it was finally released. Over a 3,000-mile course in the United States, the testing was carried out, including the truck into DHL’s regular operations. A long-haul truck filled that weighs 75,000 pounds (34 metric tons) is traveling 390 miles. With perfect scores, the Tesla Semi demonstrated its capacity to tow huge cargo over extended distances on a single charge.
Performance That Exceeded Expectations
The Tesla Semi’s efficiency was one of the main lessons learned from the experiment. DHL surpassed even Tesla’s expectations with an energy consumption rate per mile of 1.72 kWh. For almost half of the time, the vehicle ran at speeds higher than 50 mph (80 km/h). This performance remained constant. Given that Tesla had projected an efficiency rate of about 2 kWh per mile, DHL’s accomplishments are even more noteworthy.DHL revealed that they conducted a trial of their electric truck over the summer in collaboration with their supply chain partners in the US:
Over a two-week trial period this summer, DHL Supply Chain USA took a thorough look under the hood of the Tesla Semi, integrating the e-truck into 3,000 miles (5,000 km) of normal operations out of Livermore, California. The trial included one long haul of 390 miles (625 km) – fully loaded with a gross combined weight of 75,000 pounds (34 metric tons) – confirming the Tesla Semi’s ability to carry typical DHL payloads over a long distance on a single charge.
The Cost-Efficiency Factor
There are advantages to electric trucks other than the environment, such as the Tesla Semi. The possible cost savings were also demonstrated by the trial. Operating the Semi might have an energy cost of as little as $0.15 per mile, based on an average of 1.7 kWh per mile. This makes it possible for logistics firms to significantly lower their operational costs. For DHL, this implies the opportunity to significantly reduce fuel expenses without sacrificing service quality.
DHL is keen to include the Tesla Semi in its fleet in the United States after the trial went well. The corporation declared that it will proceed with the electric truck after Tesla starts producing large quantities, which is anticipated to happen at the Gigafactory Nevada by 2026. Graham Caroll, Head of Business Development for semi-trucks at DHL, stressed the value of improving efficiency and range.
Tesla’s Growing Presence in the Market
DHL is not the only business that has tested the Tesla Semi. In California, PepsiCo, another early user, is already making use of the vehicles. Dan Priestley, the head of Tesla’s semi-engineering division, provided additional details during a trucking convention in Germany. Over 4.65 million miles have now been driven by the pilot fleet of The Semi, with one truck alone covering 248,000 miles in just 18 months. With a 95% uptime rate that include both planned and unplanned maintenance, the Tesla Semi is demonstrating its dependability in practical uses.
Although DHL’s trial was conducted in the United States, the corporation operates substantially in Europe. With production stepping up in the upcoming years, Tesla already has plans to launch the Semi on the European market.
Ev truck technology advanced significantly with DHL’s Tesla Semi experiment. The electric vehicle showed its ability to tow large loads, travel great distances, and retain energy efficiency well above expectations. Companies like DHL will probably lead the way in switching to electric trucks as production ramps up, paving the way for a more economical and environmentally friendly future in logistics.
