New Tesla truck keeps rolling; UPS books biggest order yet
by Cleantech Canada Staff
The shipping company with a huge global fleet of more than 100,000 vehicles has disclosed a 125-truck order
Aiming to re-imagine how goods get from one place to another, Tesla says the hauler can tow an 80,000-pound load 500 miles on a single charge. PHOTO: Tesla
ATLANTA—American shipping giant UPS has placed a 125-truck bet on Tesla Inc.’s new big rig.
The parcel deliverer and supply chain company disclosed what is the biggest pre-order yet for the electric car manufacturer’s new Semi Dec. 19.
“These groundbreaking electric tractors are poised to usher in a new era in improved safety, reduced environmental impact, and reduced cost of ownership,” Juan Perez, chief information and engineering officer at UPS, said in a statement.
Tesla unveiled its new all-electric truck at an event in California last month. Aiming to re-imagine how goods get from one place to another, it says the hauler can tow an 80,000-pound load 500 miles on a single charge.
The shipping company said the Tesla trucks will support its efforts to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions as well as boost the safety of its vehicles. Across the world, UPS operates more than 100,000 vehicles of all sizes, including 8,500 that run on alternative fuels.
The UPS order eclipses a 100-truck commitment from PepsiCo last week. Budweiser parent AB InBev, Wal-Mart and Canadian grocer Loblaw are among the other firms to say they’ve ordered the vehicle.
Tesla plans to start producing the Semi in 2019.
