Retail giant Walmart, one of the first customers to order a batch of Tesla Semi trucks after the electric car maker unveiled it on November 16, 2017, has ordered another 30 of the Class 8 trucks. Walmart Canada announced today that it plans to power its transportation fleet using 100% alternative power over the next decade.
The Canadian subsidiary of Walmart ordered 10 Tesla 18-wheeler Semi trucks in November. Walmart Canada plans to convert 20% of its fleet to electric power by 2022 and 100% to alternative power by 2028.
We are always looking for innovative ways to minimize our impact on the environment and lead the industry in the drive for sustainable change,” said John Bayliss, senior vice-president, logistics and supply chain, Walmart Canada. “By converting 20 per cent of our fleet to electric vehicles by 2022 and committing to alternative power for all fleet vehicles by 2028, we are putting safety, innovation and sustainability at the forefront of our logistics network.”
Tesla Semi, which is powered by four independent motors, is one of the safest and comfortable trucks in the world, claims Tesla.
The Tesla Semi boasts some incredible specifications: Acceleration from standstill to 60 miles per hour when fully laden (80,000 lbs Gross Vehicle Weight) is just 20 seconds. The 18-wheel truck will have a battery pack with an eye-popping range of 500 miles, enough for most drivers to reach their destination and get back back without recharging.
Tesla plans to launch two models of the Semi:
- Tesla Semi with 300 mile range starting at $150,000
- Tesla Semi with 500 mile range starts at $180,000
For Walmart Canada, trucks with 500 miles range perfectly fits into their fleet as they mostly make single-day round trips. The trucks will also come with EAP, or Enhanced Autopilot, but Tesla adds that drivers must always be “prepared to take action” and must remain “alert and active” when Autopilot is engaged.
With base reservation price for Tesla Semi at $20,000, Tesla must have received a cool $600,000 in the form of reservation deposit from Walmart Canada for its new order.
https://youtu.be/nONx_dgr55I
