FYI: Frito-Lay expands its Tesla Semi charging infrastructure to enhance electric trucking capabilities in California.
Frito-Lay is spearheading the charge toward electrifying its logistics, becoming an early adopter of the Tesla Semi trucks. These vehicles have been an integral part of their fleet expansion for a couple of years. Positioned at the forefront of eco-friendly transport, Frito-Lay has recognized the necessity to bolster its infrastructure with additional charging capabilities.
Installation of New Charging Stations
To support their growing fleet of Tesla Semi trucks, Frito-Lay has taken proactive steps by initiating the construction of a new 8-stall "Semi Charger" array at their facility in Bakersfield, California. According to newly filed permits from Tesla, this infrastructure builds upon the existing chargers at their Modesto factory, located approximately three hours north. This strategic location is crucial for seamless operation within the region as the company plans to expand its use of electric Class 8 trucks.
While these charging units were previously referred to as "Megachargers," Tesla’s recent filings indicate a shift in terminology, now calling them "Semi Chargers." This subtle change could hint at Tesla’s reevaluation of branding in alignment with the evolving landscape of electric vehicle technology.
Trailblazing Electric Trucking
Frito-Lay is not alone in adopting the Tesla Semi. PepsiCo, another major industry player, has also been leveraging these electric vehicles for transportation excellence. The effectiveness of the Tesla Semi was further showcased in the 2023 "Run on Less EV" study, where the truck impressively completed a 1,000-mile journey in a single day, illustrating its robust capabilities.
Tesla’s Production Ramp-Up
In anticipation of increased demand, Tesla is nearing the operational phase to elevate production at its new Semi manufacturing site situated next to the famous Gigafactory in Reno, Nevada. Their latest construction progress suggests a promising timeline with plans to start the first builds of the high-volume Semi design by the end of 2025. Thereafter, Tesla aims to ramp up production starting early 2026, according to Lars Moravy, Tesla’s VP of Vehicle Engineering.
This development highlights Tesla’s commitment to scaling up its electric truck production, meeting the needs of forward-thinking companies like Frito-Lay and PepsiCo that are poised to transform commercial transportation.
Conclusion
The bold steps Frito-Lay is taking underscore a transformative period in sustainable logistics, as they not only continue to integrate Tesla Semis into their fleet but also strategically expand their charging infrastructure. This move sets a new precedent in the industry, highlighting not just a push for electrification but also the operational feasibility and forward-thinking required to lead in this sector’s evolution.
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William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi
