Building on initial California pilots and delivery, DHL reports its Tesla Semi averaging 1.72 kWh per mile on heavy loads, with daily operations requiring only weekly charging. This supports the logistics firm's emissions reduction goals toward net zero by 2050.
Following the October 2024 pilot in Livermore, California—where the Tesla Semi logged over 3,000 miles including a 390-mile route at 75,000 pounds gross weight—and its December 2025 delivery, DHL has integrated the long-range model into Central California operations.
The truck now averages 100 miles per day on weekdays, achieving 1.72 kWh per mile efficiency (matching Uber Freight data) and up to 500 miles of loaded range. This schedule necessitates charging only once weekly.
DHL projects 50 metric tons of annual GHG reductions from this vehicle, advancing targets of 29 million metric tons CO₂ by 2030 and net zero by 2050.
Tesla Semi Program Manager Dan Priestly highlighted the partnership at last year's IAA and on LinkedIn: "DHL has been a great partner to work with! We are excited to support their deployment in North America, and their experience as a trusted logistics provider will help us make the product even better for future global markets."
DHL reserved 10 Semis in 2017 post-unveiling. Tesla's fleet surpassed 7.5 million miles by September 2024, with 2026 production ramp-up ahead. A refreshed Semi design, inspired by Cybertruck and Model Y, was recently introduced.
