Report: Tesla is partnering with companies to build on-site charging stations for its Semi truck

Reuters is reporting that Tesla is collaborating with several companies that have placed large orders of its Semi truck to build on-site charging stations to charge the vehicles when they’re rolled out next year.

Details of the partnerships haven’t been disclosed, but they reportedly include design and engineering from the electric vehicle company. The companies include Anheuser-Busch, PepsiCo, Loblaw Companies Ltd, and United Parcel Service, each of which have placed large orders for the trucks. A Tesla spokesperson confirmed that the company was working with customers to build stations, but didn’t divulge details. We’ve reached out to Tesla for comment, and will update if we hear back.

The charging equipment will reportedly precede the arrival of the vehicles, which will initially be used within range of those terminals, but the companies could eventually share facilities with other companies. Some companies are also evaluating the feasibility of their own charging stations: Anheuser-Busch senior director of supply chain James Sembrot told Reuters: “What was important to us was to make a big investment in this cutting-edge technology and secure our place in line.” A spokeswoman for Lowblaw says that they are considering Tesla as well as “a few other companies.”

The company’s extensive network of Supercharger stations isn’t designed for large, 18-wheelers, but the company unveiled its largest station last year during its Semi truck reveal, as well as “Megachargers” that could recharge the vehicles in 30 minutes.

Let's block ads! (Why?)