ArcBest recently completed a three-week pilot using the Class 8 Tesla Semi, focusing on real-world freight applications in California and Nevada. With a growing emphasis on sustainable logistics, the trial reflects a shift in the commercial trucking sector as companies evaluate electric vehicles for long-haul use. This trial took place on active delivery routes and included both mountainous terrain and metropolitan driving, providing substantial insights into electric vehicle (EV) performance in diverse conditions. Logistics firms increasingly analyze not only energy efficiency and operational costs but also the practical limitations and strengths of current EV technology in day-to-day settings.
Earlier reports about Tesla Semi pilots typically focused on limited test routes and promotional events, which did not always capture representative daily freight challenges. Most prior test drives examined short-haul or depot-to-depot delivery scenarios with light or empty trailers, and public feedback mainly discussed acceleration or futuristic technology rather than energy consumption under heavy load or extended use. In contrast, ArcBest’s pilot with ABF Freight engaged in high-frequency routes between Reno and Sacramento, constantly transporting cargo across varied roadways. The reported energy efficiency and operational data bridge a gap between initial market excitement and logistical performance during active service, offering a more rigorous dataset for industry analysts.
How Did the Tesla Semi Perform During the Pilot?
ArcBest’s ABF Freight division operated the Tesla Semi for a total of 4,494 miles, averaging 321 miles daily. The Semi’s reported energy efficiency stood at 1.55 kWh per mile, accounting for both daily interstate driving and challenging mountain ascents, such as the 7,200-foot Donner Pass. Notably, performance levels reportedly matched those of traditional diesel Class 8 trucks in this scenario, with drivers maintaining standard workloads and route schedules.
What Was the Driver Experience and Feedback?
Feedback from drivers participating in the pilot highlighted the Semi’s comfort, visibility, and safety features, including a central seating position and user-friendly controls. The hands-on evaluation allowed drivers to compare the electric truck against established diesel models under equivalent work conditions.
“We’re not looking for a truck that performs well ‘for an EV.’ It must meet or exceed the performance and total cost of ownership targets of our most efficient diesel units. This pilot gives us great insight into the potential of EV semis in our operations,” said Matt Godfrey, president of ABF Freight.
This hands-on assessment supported further consideration for integrating electric trucks into mixed fleets.
Will Charging Infrastructure Limit Broader Adoption?
ArcBest concluded that the biggest barrier to large-scale adoption of the Tesla Semi or similar Class 8 electric trucks remains the charging infrastructure. The company emphasized that wider rollouts will require more robust and accessible charging networks, particularly to support long-haul and regional operations. Without these advancements, electric semis would remain confined to select, infrastructure-supported routes.
The pilot forms part of ArcBest’s broader sustainability initiatives, which already include nine electric yard tractors, two electric forklifts, and two Class 6 electric straight trucks. According to Dennis Anderson, ArcBest’s chief innovation officer, freight transportation continues to play a substantial role in greenhouse gas emissions, and a transition to alternative technologies such as the Tesla Semi represents an ongoing effort to reduce environmental impact. Anderson pointed out that, although significant challenges exist—especially regarding infrastructure and new fuel development—the deployment of trucks like the Tesla Semi signifies steady progress in commercial vehicle electrification and operational viability.
Evaluating electric trucks within large logistics frameworks presents a pragmatic approach to identifying suitable use cases and operational constraints. Readers considering investments in or partnerships with companies deploying electric vehicles should examine not only the vehicle’s tested efficiency numbers, but also site-specific needs such as route topology and access to reliable charging. As companies investigate decarbonizing their fleets, direct pilot results such as those from ArcBest can help determine deployment timelines and highlight where further infrastructure expansions are needed. Continuous testing in real operating conditions provides a clear understanding of how fast the logistics industry can feasibly roll out electrified transport options.
