Tesla is now taking pre-orders from some European countries, with Norwegian food distribution company Asko ordering 10 of the electric semi trucks, Electrek reports.
Asko has already integrated a European electric truck into its fleet, but the company believes the Tesla Semi has more advanced features.
“We have an electric truck today from a Dutch company, which we’ve had for almost two years,” CEO Tore Pekin told E24, as first reported by Electrek. “So, we believe that Tesla is the one that has come a long way in technology. So far. That is why we have chosen to reserve ten trucks from them.
While some had doubts about Tesla’s ability to break into the trucking industry before the Semi was introduced, early orders suggest Tesla may exceed expectations.
The electric trucks have impressive features, including a 500-mile range per charge and the ability to travel 400 miles on a 30-minute charge, impact-resistant glass, an innovative cabin design, and the ability to go from 0-60 mph in five seconds without any load and in 20 seconds while carrying 80,000 pounds of cargo. But Tesla will ultimately be judged on how many customers buy and use the trucks over the long term.
These are the companies that have placed orders for the Tesla Semi so far:
Walmart: One of the first major companies to reserve trucks, the retailer has made significant investments in technology in recent years as part of its efforts to compete with Amazon. Pepsi: Pepsi previously had the largest semi order, booking 100 trucks in December. Anheuser-Busch: The beer maker announced it ordered 40 semi-trucks in December. Sysco: The food distributor has reserved 50 semi-trucks. UPS: The delivery company has placed its largest semi-truck order yet, reserving 125 semi-trucks on Tuesday. DHL: The transportation company Logistics Services has reserved 10 semi-trucks annually to add to its fleet. MAYER: The Michigan-based grocery chain has ordered four electric trucks. Ryder: The carrier has reserved an unspecified number of semi trucks for November. J.B. Hunt: The trucking company is scheduled to buy “multiple” semis, but has not disclosed the exact number. Asko: The Norwegian food distribution company ordered 10 half-half. FLEXPORT: Freightliner CEO Ryan Peterson announces the company has ordered semis: The Independent Hauling company has reserved four Semis.LOBLAW: After ordering 25 Semis, the Canadian supermarket chain announced plans to make its trucking fleet 100% electric. 100% by 2030.Fercam: Based in Italy, the trucking company has booked one single Semi.Gertica Logistics: Not to be outdone by Fercam, the European transport company also announced its plans to invest in one of Tesla’s electric trucks. Fortigo Freight Services: The Canadian logistics company has reserved a semi. Best Transportation: The shipping company has also ordered a Semi.Mecca & Son Trucking: According to Jalopnik, this trucking company has reserved a semi.
