The Tesla Semi consumes less than two kilowatt-hours of energy per mile at Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) and highway speed.
MISSISSAUGA, Ontario – Walmart Canada is more than tripling its reservations of 18-wheeler Tesla Semi trucks. The retailer is now reserving 130 of the electric trucks.
As part of is sustainability objectives, Walmart Canada is committed to converting 20 percent of Walmart’s fleet to electric power by the end of 2022, as part of the goal of its broader goal to power its fleet using 100 percent alternative power by 2028.
“Tripling our reservation of Tesla Semi trucks is part of our ongoing effort to innovate the business and prioritize sustainability,” said John Bayliss, senior vice-president, logistics and supply chain, Walmart Canada.
“By converting 20 percent of our fleet to electric vehicles by the end of 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.”
The move comes on the heels of Walmart Canada announcing a $3.5 billion investment over the next five years. The investment includes building two new distribution centres and technology to improve e-commerce fulfillment.
Cheaper, safer trucks
According to Tesla, the Semi will deliver a better experience for truck drivers, while increasing safety and reducing the cost of cargo transport.
“We are tremendously excited to equip our drivers with this next generation equipment. The safety and smart elements in the design are at the heart of our smart transportation ambition which will use technology and data to lower our operating costs and improve safety for associates,” said Francis Lalonde, vice-president, transportation, Walmart Canada.
The company cites the following sustainability and safety features as key highlights on the new Tesla Semi electric trucks:
- Tesla Semi consumes less than two kilowatt-hours of energy per mile at Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) and highway speed, significantly reducing operating costs per mile compared to diesel;
- 800-kilometre range allows a driver to go to their destination and back without recharging (range at maximum weight at highway speed);
- Capable of 0-100 kmh in 20 seconds with a full 80,000-pound (36,287 kg) load and can climb five percent grades at a steady 105 kmh (compared to 72 kmh for same grade in a diesel truck);
- Regenerative braking technology recovers 98 percent of kinetic energy to the battery;
- Surrounding vehicle cameras and sensors aid object detection and minimize blind spots, automatically alerting the driver to safety hazards and obstacles;
- Additional driver safety features including Automatic Emergency Braking, Automatic Lane Keeping, Lane Departure Warning.
Sustainability commitments
As part of its sustainability plans, Walmart is aiming to achieve the following goals:
- The new Surrey and Vaughan distribution centres will be zero waste facilities when they open;
- Converting all material handling equipment towards lithium ion or hydrogen technology;
- A 100 percent alternatively powered fleet by 2028;
- Zero emissions across the company’s global operations by 2040;
- Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are also committing to help protect, manage or restore at least 50 million acres of land and one million square miles of ocean by 2030 to help combat the cascading loss of nature threatening the planet.
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