ArcBest, an Arkansas-based logistics company, has put the Tesla Semi truck through its paces, and the verdict is that the electric truck “generally” matched its diesel-powered counterparts in performance. It also won the admiration of the drivers.
One of ArcBest’s subsidiaries, ABF Freight, reported an energy efficiency of 1.55 kWh per mile for the battery-powered truck, over a total distance of 4,494 miles, exceeding Tesla’s own estimates. The Semi covered about 312 miles per day.
The Semi navigated the 7,200-foot-high Donner Pass, with the drivers impressed by the safety and comfort in the cabin. They also praised the positioning of the driver’s seat, which gave them better visibility.
ArcBest’s chief innovation officer, Dennis Anderson, said, “Vehicles like the Tesla Semi highlight the progress being made and expand the boundaries of what’s possible as we work toward a more sustainable future for freight.”
ABR Freight’s president Matt Godfrey described what his firm was looking for in electric freight: “We’re not looking for a truck that performs well ‘for an EV.’ 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.”
The company, however, noted the need for more EV charging infrastructure along longer trucking routes.
Another 3PL company, Thyssenkrupp, recently completed a trial of the Tesla Semi in winter conditions, logging more than 5,000 miles.
The Tesla Semi offers 500 miles of driving range and can add about 350 miles when plugged to a Megacharger.
