Walmart Canada more than triples order of Tesla Semi Trucks

Tesla Semi Truck (Walmart Canada)

MISSISSAUGA — Walmart Canada is more than tripling its reservations of 18-wheeler Tesla Semi trucks.

Walmart Canada is now reserving a total of 130 Tesla Semi trucks. The move comes on the heels of Walmart Canada announcing a major $3.5 billion investment over the next five years aimed to generate significant growth in the business and is aligned with Walmarts global goal to target zero emissions by 2040 announced at Climate Week earlier this month

The $3.5 billion investment will impact every aspect of the business leading to a faster e-commerce experience, two new distribution centres to speed up the flow of products, re-invented and “smarter” stores, an enhanced omni experience and modern digital tools to ensure associates can best serve customers.

Walmart Canada has built a best-in-class supply chain and is continuing to put sustainability at the forefront of its business operations, finding new and innovative ways to reduce its carbon footprint while continuing to focus on safety and delivering value to its customers. Walmart Canada is committed to converting 20% of Walmart’s fleet to electric power by the end of 2022, as part of the goal of its broader goal to power its fleet using 100 per cent alternative power by 2028.

“Tripling our reservation of Tesla Semi trucks is part of our ongoing effort to innovate the business and prioritize sustainability,” said John Bayliss, senior vice-president, Logistics and Supply Chain, Walmart Canada, in a prepared statement. “By converting 20% of our fleet to electric vehicles by the end of 2022 and committing to alternative power for all fleet vehicles by 2028, we are putting safety, innovation and sustainability at the forefront of our logistics network.”

According to Tesla, the Semi will deliver a better experience for truck drivers, while increasing safety and significantly reducing the cost of cargo transport.

“The safety and smart elements in the design are at the heart of our smart transportation ambition which will use technology and data to lower our operating costs and improve safety for associates,” said Francis Lalonde, vice-president, Transportation, Walmart Canada.

The company cites the following sustainability and safety features as key highlights on the new Tesla Semi electric trucks:

• Tesla Semi consumes less than two kilowatt-hours of energy per mile at Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) and highway speed, significantly reducing operating costs per mile compared to diesel.
• 500 miles range allows a driver to go to their destination and back without recharging (500 mile range at maximum weight at highway speed)
• Capable of 0-60 mph in 20 seconds with a full 80,000-pound load and can climb 5 per cent grades at a steady 65 mph (compared to 45mph for same grade in a diesel truck)
• Regenerative braking technology recovers 98% of kinetic energy to the battery