FYI: Frito-Lay Expands Its Charging Network with New Tesla Semi Chargers in California
Frito-Lay is expanding its fleet of Tesla Semi all-electric Class 8 trucks, further establishing its dominance in the sustainable logistics space. Already a prominent early adopter of Tesla’s pioneering heavy-duty electric vehicle, Frito-Lay is ramping up its infrastructure with new charging stations to support its growing fleet.
Expansion of Charging Infrastructure
Recognizing the need for additional charging capacity as it increases its Tesla Semi units, Frito-Lay is installing an eight-stall charging station at its Bakersfield facility in California. This move is in response to the growing demand for local logistics operations and aligns with their sustainability efforts. Previously, chargers were only available at their Modesto, California location, which is approximately three hours away from Bakersfield.
Interestingly, the latest filings indicate that these chargers may be rebranded as "Semi Chargers" instead of the previously used term "Megachargers." This change, while minor, marks a subtle evolution in Tesla’s nomenclature for its charging solutions, which could signify a shift in branding strategy.
Pioneering the Use of Tesla Semi
Since 2022, Frito-Lay has been a frontrunner in deploying the Tesla Semi for their logistics needs. Alongside other early adopters like PepsiCo, the company has been instrumental in showcasing the potential of electric vehicles in large-scale delivery operations.
A notable demonstration of the Tesla Semi’s capabilities was its performance in the Run on Less EV study in late 2023, where it completed a remarkable 1,000-mile trip within a single day. This feat not only underlined the vehicle’s efficiency but also displayed its potential to revolutionize long-haul trucking.
Tesla’s Production and Future Plans
As Frito-Lay and others incorporate more Tesla Semis into their operations, Tesla is gearing up to meet this increasing demand. According to Lars Moravy, Tesla’s VP of Vehicle Engineering, the company is on track to ramp up production by 2026. The newly established Semi production facility in Reno, near Tesla’s Gigafactory, is nearing completion, indicating promising prospects for future production volumes.
Conclusion
The expansion of charging infrastructure at Frito-Lay’s Bakersfield site represents a significant step forward in the company’s sustainability trajectory. As Tesla Semis continue to prove their mettle in the world of logistics, and with Tesla’s ongoing advancements in production, the future looks promising for an electrified transportation network.
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Written by William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi
