PepsiCo may have the largest known fleet of Tesla Semi tractors, but ABF Freight has joined the beverage and snack food giant in putting the industry's most enigmatic electric truck into real-world operation.
ABF operated a Tesla Semi for three weeks across typical dispatch lanes, including over-the-road routes between service centers in Reno, Nevada and Sacramento, California. The pilot also included regional runs in the Bay Area and rail shuttle operations.
The electric Semi logged 4,494 miles, averaging 321 miles per day, with an overall energy efficiency of 1.55 kWh per mile.
“We’re not looking for a truck that performs well ‘for an EV,’” said ABF Freight President Matt Godfrey. “It must meet or exceed the performance and total cost of ownership targets of our most efficient diesel units. This pilot gives us great insight into the potential of EV semis in our operations.”
ABF's performance on a kilowatt hour (kWh) per mile basis is slightly below the 1.7 kWh per mile Pepsi confirmed as part of North American Council for Freight Efficiency's Run On Less program in 2023. It's also below the 1.72 kWh/mile posted by DHL during a two-week trial run last summer.
Worth noting is that in the case of battery electrics, the lower its kWh per mile the more efficient the vehicle.
"kWh is the energy needed per mile, so lower the better," NACFE Executive Director Mike Roeth told CCJ. "For a long time, the default expectation for an average was 2.0 kWh per mile. Higher is worse."
Roeth noted that during its Run, PepsiCo spent 70% of the time over 65,000 pounds GVW. The lighter nature of general LTL freight, he said, could explain at least some of the 12% efficiency improvement ABF achieved.
The Fort Smith, Arkansas-based LTL carrier noted the vehicle performed well across a variety of routes — including the 7,200 climb over Donner Pass — and "generally matched the performance of its diesel counterparts," adding that driver feedback was positive, with operators noting the vehicle’s comfort, safety and ease of use. Features like the center seat configuration, wide visibility and intuitive controls contributed to strong driver experience. the company said.
ArcBest (CCJ Top 250, No. 15) currently operates nine electric yard tractors, two electric forklifts and two Class 6 electric straight trucks and continues to assess the long-term viability of Class 8 EVs within its fleet.
While the pilot demonstrated strong performance and driver acceptance, it also highlighted the need for continued development of charging infrastructure to support broader deployment across longer routes, the company said. The vehicle showed meaningful progress in areas such as range, charging efficiency and driver support, reinforcing the value of continued evaluation.
Following numerous delays since the Semi's 2017 debut, Tesla plans first deliveries for later this year and deliveries for customers starting in 2026.
