Image: Uber Freight
Uber Freight has announced a new partnership with Tesla to help accelerate the adoption of electric Class 8 trucks. The Dedicated EV Fleet Accelerator Program is designed to make it easier and more cost-effective for carriers to integrate Tesla Semis into their operations by addressing key hurdles like high upfront costs, infrastructure limitations, and uncertainty around return on investment.
The Tesla Semi is central to this new initiative. Capable of driving up to 500 miles on a single charge, with rapid 1.2 MW charging and a payload capacity of 45,000–47,000 lbs, the Semi has already been trialed in real-world freight applications. Logistics partners have put the truck through its paces, with PepsiCo operating the Semi for the past couple of years and ArcBest completing a successful pilot program earlier this summer. ArcBest praised the Semi’s performance and reliability across demanding routes, highlighting its ability to cut both fuel and maintenance costs.
For Uber Freight, incorporating the Tesla Semi into its network is a strategic move. The program provides carriers with subsidies on Semi purchases, guarantees freight demand through dedicated contracts, and offers access to Uber Freight’s extensive shipper base. Participating fleets will also get direct insights from Tesla on cost of ownership assumptions, helping them optimize operations and profitability from day one.
The program has already been piloted with select carriers. Over a two-month trial, Tesla Semis logged more than 12,000 miles across Uber Freight’s shipper network, demonstrating strong efficiency with an average energy consumption of just 1.72 kWh per mile. Fleets also reported significant savings on fuel and maintenance, underscoring the long-term cost advantages of going electric.
This announcement also comes as Tesla prepares to kick off production at its new Semi factory in Nevada, further positioning the truck as a cornerstone of the shift to zero-emission freight. With California and Texas leading the way in trucking markets, Uber Freight’s accelerator program could prove pivotal in helping more carriers make the switch sooner rather than later.
