Following what the company deemed a "rigorous" but ultimately successful demo earlier this year, Saia (CCJ Top 250, No. 19) said Wednesday is has added two Tesla battery electric trucks to its Saia LTL Freight fleet. The company told CCJ the two trucks are currently based in California.
Saia Executive Vice President of Operations Patrick Sugar said the Johns Creek, Georgia-based carrier tested the Tesla Semi, evaluating the tractor on its range, payload capacity, grade performance and driver comfort.
"We were very impressed with the Tesla Semi as it demonstrated an ability to handle both local and longer haul applications while still delivering notable power and efficiency," he said, noting the company achieved 1.73 kWh per mile. "Our drivers were equally impressed, noting the smooth acceleration, comfortable design, and its ability to maintain speeds on steep inclines, even while hauling heavy payloads."
Dan Priestley, senior manager of Tesla's Semi program, noted previously that PepsiCo achieved a similar range, with an average efficiency of 1.7 kWh per mile. Despite pre-orders that supposedly total into the thousands, PepsiCo is the only fleet known to have taken possession of production model Semi's in large quantity. Tesla expects to begin Semi production in earnest by the end of next year.
As Saia celebrates its centennial anniversary this year, the company noted its partnership with Tesla "is another tangible example of how the carrier is working to reduce its carbon footprint by reducing emissions and improving tractor mileage as it seeks to be a good steward of the environment and conduct its operations in a responsible manner."
