Tesla Semi Range and Megacharging Continue to Improve

There is a 119 page report of the Run on Less Electric depot 2023 event. Tesla Semi operated by Pepsi had 1600 miles driven over 2 days in 2023 in real world tests with Pepsi and several 1000+ mile days in 24 hours.

In the 2 years after, Tesla and Pepsi have improved megacharging and can get 70% range recovery in 30 minutes of charging. The efficiency per mile has improved from 1.7-1.8 kWH per mile to 1.5 kWh per mile

Tesla Semi upfront costs are 6-10 times higher than a cybercab but the number of miles is 4-8 times higher so amortization takes down the cost per mile.

Tesla is building more megacharging stations and more depot chargers for customers.

The Run on Less Electric DEPOT 2023, organized by the North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE), was a key real-world demonstration involving multiple fleets, including PepsiCo’s Tesla Semis. It tracked 22 battery electric vehicles across 10 depots over three weeks in September 2023, focusing on scaling electric trucks. PepsiCo operated three Tesla Semis from their Sacramento depot, achieving notable performance metrics like 1,076 miles in 24 hours with multiple mid-shift charges (two driving shifts), and single-charge ranges up to 410 miles. Efficiency was around 1.7-2.3 kWh/mile for heavy-duty tractors like the Semi. Charging used up to 750 kW DC systems, with general times for similar BEVs indicating 2-3 hours on 75 kW chargers for 20-80% SOC, though Tesla’s Megachargers enabled faster rates (e.g., 70% in ~60 minutes based on fleet reports). Other trucks in the event included models from fleets like OK Produce (Freightliner eCascadia) and Purolator (Motiv EPIC6), with daily miles under 250 for most, and dwell times of 8-12 hours allowing overnight charging.Official Run on Less Results Dashboard (interactive data on miles, efficiency for all trucks, including Pepsi Tesla Semis): https://results-2023.runonless.com/

2024: Tesla Semi Fleet Updates and PepsiCo Ongoing Operations

In 2024, Tesla and PepsiCo provided updates at events like IAA Transportation, referencing continued real-world performance from their fleet of 21+ Semis. Cumulative miles reached ~4.6 million (7.5 million km), with demos showing 1,050+ miles (1,700 km) in 24 hours via Megacharging during rests/loading.

PepsiCo reported averages of ~425 miles range, 1.7 kWh/mile efficiency, and 12-hour daily operations. Charging focused on zero dedicated stops, using fast DC (up to 1 MW) integrated into workflows.

Tesla Oracle IAA Update (7.5M km fleet-wide; 1,700 km/24 hours possible; lower costs than diesel; fast charging during non-driving time).

TruckingInfo PepsiCo/Tesla IAA Recap (scaling beyond CA; performance on long-haul; 12-hour shifts with integrated charging):

Reddit on Fleet Operator Stats (15.45 cents/kWh; 1.7 miles/kWh; long-haul viability with quick charges).

As of August 19, 2025, real-world tests are ongoing but limited in public data. PepsiCo continues operations with ~60-80 Semis fleet-wide (including others like Walmart/UPS), building on prior years’ metrics (e.g., 425 miles range, 12-hour driving).

A new Run on Less event (“Messy Middle”) is scheduled for September 2025, focusing on long-haul trucks including electrics like Tesla Semi,

ABF Freight piloted a Tesla Semi in July 2025 for LTL operations, logging 4,494 miles over three weeks (321 miles/day average) at 1.55 kWh/mile efficiency. There are design and updates for a new Semi 2.0 design.

TruckingInfo on ABF Pilot (4,494 miles total; 321 miles/day; 1.55 kWh/mile; no charge/driving specifics but real-world LTL viability).

Quora on Tested Semis (60-80 units as of May 2025, including Pepsi; ongoing real-world use with prior charge/range data)

Run on Less 2025 Announcement Upcoming long-haul focus with electrics; 13 fleets including potential Semis.

For Tesla’s official specs (up to 500 miles range, 1.55 kWh/mile, 70% range recover in 30 min via Semichargers).