On Tuesday, December 12th, Automotive News announced PepsiCo’s preorder of 100 Tesla electric semi trucks to add to their fleet of approximately 10,000 vehicles. According to the article, PepsiCo’s goal in retaining the new vehicles is to reduce carbon emissions produced by their fleet by 20%, by year 2030. Astonishingly, Pepsico isn’t the only corporation with a couple of new semis on order. The Tesla electric semi pre-order bandwagon also includes Wal-Mart, JB Hunt Transport Services, and Sysco Corporation among other large names.
With industry giants already taking an interest in electric semis while they are practically still in conception, there is no doubt that electric semis will dominate our roads in the near future. Tesla’s new semis will feature 20 second acceleration from 0-60 MPH, 300-500 mile range on a charge based on model, and an estimated cost savings of over $200,000 in fuel. The vehicles will also feature a panoramic windshield, two screens to display vehicle condition and shipment details, and superior autopilot functions for increased driver safety.
Top Automakers Looking for a Share of the Electric Semi Truck Market
Tesla isn’t the only auto giant dabbling with the manufacturing of electric semis. Volkswagen, Toyota, Cummings, and Daimler are some of the top names fighting to dominate the market. Even start up ventures, including Thor Trucks, a fleet service startup based out of Los Angeles, are attempting to compete with Elon Musk’s latest design. Thor Trucks’ ET-One model touts up to 50% in lower maintenance costs, and up to 30% more power than a traditional diesel engine. While the specs are nowhere near those of Tesla’s latest and greatest in luxury, Thor’s ET-One will be more cost efficient than Tesla’s most basic model, but will cost roughly $30,000 more than a typical heavy duty class 8 diesel truck.
Nikola Motor Company, a hybrid truck design corporation based out of Utah, has developed an electric and hydrogen fuel powered semi. Nikola currently has two model designs underway, the Nikola one and Nikola two, both boasting 800-1200 mile ranges, a short 15 minute refuel time, 100% electric drive, and a significant reduction in fuel costs. To sweeten the deal, Nikola has partnered with Ryder as a store front and repair center. Owners and potential owners will have the ability to visit any local Ryder location for warranty repair and purchasing on Nikola model electric semis, conveniently making the Nikola design easily accessible. Considering the power partnership between Nikola and Ryder, other auto OEM’s will need to follow suit with preparations for a store front and vehicle maintenance.
Finding a Remanufacturing Partner to Handle Electric Semi Components and Parts
With electric cars and now electric semis on the horizon, OEMs will need remanufacturing partners with the ability to meet the technical needs for automotive electronics. Finding a remanufacturing partner that can offer customizable solutions, scalable infrastructure, fast turn times, and quality assurance on repairs is critical to an operation. Partnering with a reman firm that can meet all of these requirements, and has previous experience in the electric vehicle industry is even sweeter.
