Tesla Semi program Senior Supervisor Dan Priestley and PepsiCo Electrification Program Supervisor Dejan Antunović’s speak on the 2024 IAA Transportation expo in Hannover, Germany offered quite a lot of insights into the real-world functions of the manufacturing Semi. As per the 2 managers, the Tesla Semi has up to now been performing very well for PepsiCo’s enterprise.Â
Throughout their speak, Priestley highlighted that Whole Value of Possession (TCO) is the baseline for each determination made by the Tesla Semi staff. This could possibly be seen within the firm’s efforts to drive down the price of the Semi, which is clear in Tesla’s use of equivalent parts—reminiscent of shows and powertrain items—as different Tesla merchandise. Finally, Priestley famous that effectivity is the most important lever in driving down the TCO of the Semi.Â
The PepsiCo supervisor, for his half, defined that the adoption of the Tesla Semi within the firm’s fleet has been quite a bit smoother than he anticipated. Truck drivers have acquired the car very well. Antunović shared an anecdote a few veteran PepsiCo truck driver who, after driving the Tesla Semi, famous that he would by no means return to diesel vehicles.Â
Right here’s the complete dialogue of Tesla Semi lead @danWpriestley and PepsiCo’s Dejan Antunović from IAA right now.
I’ll additionally share what I discovered instantly from Dan in one other submit beneath, however right here’s what stood out to me from this 25-minute insightful speak, 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 each day; Pepsi Drinks’ Transport fleet, that are regional and journey as much as 800 km (497 miles) constantly; and Frito-Lay, which transport lighter hundreds over regional routes.Â
To this point, 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.Â
General, the dialog between Priestley and Antunović highlights the concept the Tesla Semi is already a viable alternative for standard Class 8 vehicles right now. Whereas there are nonetheless challenges for now, the Tesla Semi’s efficiency and whole value of possession are already sufficient to make the car a compelling funding for companies.Â
Watch the Tesla and PepsiCo managers’ dialog within the video beneath.Â
Don’t hesitate to contact us with information ideas. Simply ship a message to [email protected] to provide us a heads up.