Tesla took the wraps off its all-new electric semi truck this past week after months of anticipation. We still don’t know how much the truck will end up costing, but that didn’t stop retailing giant Walmart from pre-ordering 15 semi trucks to join its transportation fleet.
Walmart’s enormous fleet has 6,000 trucks making deliveries across the U.S. and Canada. The 15 electric semi trucks will be something of an experiment to see how they handle the routes with recharging and range being taken into account. According to CNBC, of the 15 trucks, five will stay in the U.S. and ten will make their way to Canada.
“We have a long history of testing new technology – including alternative-fuel trucks – and we are excited to be among the first to pilot this new heavy-duty electric vehicle,” related Walmart in a statement to CNBC.
Pre-orders for each semi truck required a $5,000 deposit, meaning Walmart has already invested $75,000 into the program of incorporating electric trucks. That number is likely to rise once it pays off the truck in full. Like we mentioned, Tesla has yet to announce pricing, but it wouldn’t be surprising if it comfortably eclipses the $100,000 price tag.
Walmart wasn’t the only company making reservations for the electric semi truck. JBL Hunt Transportation Services also ordered “multiple” trucks from Tesla.
Tesla’s truck has a 400-mile range and and can be charged to full capacity in 30 minutes. That will be an important note moving forward if Tesla hopes its electric semi truck catches on with truckers and companies.
