Pilot Travel Centers has agreed with Tesla to install heavy-duty electric truck chargers at select locations along major US highways. The first sites are set to open in summer 2026, focusing initially on Tesla's Semi vehicles. This partnership aims to support the growing demand for alternative fuels in North American trucking.
Pilot Travel Centers LLC, the largest operator of travel centers in the US, announced on January 27, 2026, a partnership with Tesla to deploy Semi Chargers for heavy-duty electric vehicle truck charging. The chargers will be installed at select Pilot locations along Interstate 5, Interstate 10, and other key corridors where heavy-duty charging needs are highest. Construction is scheduled to begin in the first half of 2026 across California, Georgia, Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas.
Each charging site will feature four to eight stalls using Tesla's V4 cabinet technology, capable of delivering up to 1.2 megawatts of power per stall. This setup is designed to recharge a Tesla Semi's 500-mile range in about 30 minutes, aligning with standard driver break times. While the network will initially serve Tesla Semi trucks, Pilot indicated potential future compatibility with heavy-duty electric vehicles from other manufacturers.
Shannon Sturgil, senior vice president of alternative fuels at Pilot, stated: "Helping to shape the future of energy is a strategic pillar in meeting the needs of our guests and the North American transportation industry. Heavy-duty charging is yet another extension of our exploration into alternative fuel offerings, and we’re happy to partner with a leader in the space that provides turnkey solutions and deploys them quickly."
Pilot, a Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary founded in 1958 and headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, operates over 900 travel centers in 44 US states and five Canadian provinces, serving 1.2 million guests daily. The company has been expanding alternative fuel options, including prior partnerships with Volvo Group since 2022 for heavy-duty EV charging and with GM and EVgo for over 200 passenger EV sites.
Tesla's efforts build on its Semi charging plans, with 46 public sites in progress or planned by 2027, positioned along major trucking routes. Early adopters like PepsiCo and DHL have logged millions of miles, highlighting the need for reliable infrastructure to scale electric trucking beyond local routes.
