DHL Supply Chain has taken delivery of its first Tesla Semi, marking a significant step forward in its strategy to scale up heavy-duty electric vehicles across North America. The company confirmed that the first unit is now fully operational following an extensive pilot programme that tested the truck on real freight routes in California.
The Tesla Semi was deployed from DHL’s Livermore facility, where it completed more than 5,000 km of live operations with customer freight. During the testing phase, the vehicle handled up to 34 metric tonnes of cargo and achieved a 625-km single-charge run while fully loaded. DHL reports that the truck averaged 1.72 kWh per mile under load, reinforcing its potential for both emissions reduction and energy efficiency.
With a range of up to 500 miles, the vehicle has moved into daily operation and currently completes around 100 miles of freight activity per day. According to DHL, the Semi requires charging approximately once per week due to the relatively short-haul nature of the current route.
The company estimates that each Tesla Semi introduced into service can reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by approximately 50 metric tonnes per year. The move is part of DHL’s broader fleet strategy, which includes more than 150 Class 8 electric trucks already operating in North America.
Other Logistics Operators Turning to the Tesla Semi
DHL is far from alone in exploring battery-electric heavy trucks. Several major logistics and freight operators have placed orders or begun pilot deployments of the Tesla Semi. UPS has reportedly ordered 125 units, while PepsiCo and its Frito-Lay division remain among the largest early adopters with around 100 trucks reserved. Food-distribution giant Sysco, brewer Anheuser-Busch and retailers such as Walmart have also committed to the vehicle. In the freight sector, operators including WattEV and Saia have taken delivery of initial units for commercial trials. The growing spread of orders across parcel carriers, retailers, manufacturers and trucking-as-a-service providers underlines a wider shift toward electrified long-haul operations across the logistics industry.
DHL plans to further expand its electric heavy-duty fleet in 2026, aligning with Tesla’s expected increase in production volumes. The company says the deployment of the Tesla Semi supports its long-term environmental goals and reflects growing customer demand for sustainable freight solutions.
As one of the world’s largest contract logistics providers, DHL Supply Chain’s endorsement of the Tesla Semi represents an important milestone for the adoption of electric heavy-duty trucking – a segment that many in the industry see as critical to realising net-zero supply chains.
