Tesla Semi Demonstrates Remarkable Efficiency in DHL’s 3,000-Mile Trial

DHL’s Impressive Tesla Semi Trial Results Tesla’s electric Semi truck continues to impress in real-world trials. DHL recently completed a two-week test run with the Tesla Semi, pushing the Class 8 electric truck over 3,000 miles of typical delivery routes from its Livermore, California hub. DHL reported that the truck far exceeded their expectations, particularly in long-haul performance and energy efficiency.

Performance Over Long Distances As part of the trial, DHL tested the Semi on a 390-mile journey while fully loaded with a gross combined weight of 75,000 pounds. The truck completed this demanding route on a single charge, demonstrating its capacity to haul heavy payloads over extended distances. DHL stated that this confirmed the Semi’s ability to handle their regular logistics needs, proving the vehicle’s suitability for commercial operations.

Exceeding Energy Efficiency Expectations DHL shared that, during the test, the Tesla Semi averaged 1.72 kWh per mile while traveling at speeds above 50 mph for over half the journey. This efficiency surpassed both DHL’s projections and Tesla’s stated energy consumption estimates for the Semi, which Tesla rates at “under 2 kWh” per mile for its 300- or 500-mile range variants. Equipped with a battery pack estimated at around 900 kWh, the Semi’s energy performance continues to turn heads in the logistics industry.

DHL Looks to Future Integration With the test proving successful, DHL is now exploring options to integrate Tesla’s Semis into its fleet as Tesla gears up for volume production of the truck at its upcoming Gigafactory Nevada, set for 2026. According to Graham Caroll, DHL’s Head of Business Development for semi-trucks, the results have boosted confidence in the long-term viability of electric trucks in long-haul transport. Caroll highlighted the importance of maximizing range and efficiency to match or surpass the work of traditional diesel-powered vehicles.

Tesla Semi’s Growing Momentum DHL’s trial is one of many recent tests showcasing the Semi’s performance. PepsiCo, the first company to operate Tesla’s Semis, has also shared positive results from its hubs across California, revealing promising energy efficiency metrics. At the recent IAA trucking conference in Munich, Tesla’s Semi Engineering Head, Dan Priestley, added that Tesla’s Semi pilot fleet has accumulated more than 4.65 million miles to date, with a 95% uptime rate, even factoring in both scheduled and unscheduled maintenance. One Semi in particular had already surpassed 248,000 miles in just 18 months, reinforcing the vehicle’s reliability for long-term use.

With each new trial, the Tesla Semi continues to demonstrate its potential to revolutionize commercial trucking, offering powerful efficiency and sustainable logistics solutions.

Follow our social media
Instagram @kustomgaras
Pinterest @kustomgaras
Youtube @kustomgaras