Tesla Semis Set to Cut PepsiCo Emissions

Elon Musk tweeted that the long-awaited Tesla semis ordered by PepsiCo back in 2017 will finally roll off the production line. The construction of the first one hundred units had been delayed again and again due to parts shortages, specifically the 4680-style battery cells.

Going by Musk’s latest posts, production is now in full swing with delivery expected by December 2022.

The Class 8 Tesla Semis are expected to cost $180 000 while also qualifying for a $40 000 tax break under the US Senate subsidy program. The semis will have a range of 500 miles (800km) and will play part in reducing emissions for the soft drink and snack food manufacturer. 

PepsiCo boss Ramon Laguarta stated in an earlier interview that transport makes up around 10% of their emissions which the company is vying to crub with the brand new Tesla semis.

It is noted that other companies had also order the high-tech electric big-rigs, including the likes of Walmart and UPS, who are still awaiting delivery.

In May this year the automaker opened reservations allowing companies to place orders with a $20 000 deposit, which has been seen as a green light for further production and that any parts delays or shortages are over.

While it will still be some time before all 100 units of the all-electric trucks will hit the road branded for PepsiCo, with other companies awaiting their trucks and new orders being taken, we may well see the long awaited electric vehicle trend making its mark on the transport sector.

Tesla’s Cyper Truck pick-up utility truck is set to start coming off the production lines in 2023, like the big semis, over two years after the originally schedule time.