Tesla Semi Chargers: Frito-Lay Expands Megacharger Network for All-Electric Trucks

One of the pioneering companies in adopting Tesla Semi all-electric Class 8 trucks into their fleet ahead of others is Frito-Lay. With a few years of experience using these innovative vehicles, the company has now set its sights on expanding its fleet and the necessary charging infrastructure.

As Frito-Lay transitions towards more local runs and plans to add more Tesla Semi units to its fleet, the company has recognized the need for additional Megachargers to power their trucks efficiently. To address this requirement, Frito-Lay has taken the initiative to build more chargers at their facility in Bakersfield, California, as per the permits filed by Tesla.

The new 8-stall Megacharger array being constructed at the Bakersfield factory complements the existing chargers at the company’s Modesto, California, facility. This strategic move will ensure that Frito-Lay’s Tesla Semi trucks have access to a reliable charging network to support their operations.

Interestingly, Tesla has referred to these chargers as “Semi Chargers” in the recent filing, possibly indicating a shift in terminology from “Megachargers” used previously. While a minor detail, this change could signify an evolution in the branding and positioning of Tesla’s charging infrastructure for commercial vehicles.

In anticipation of the Tesla Semi becoming a key logistics tool for deliveries across California and neighboring states, Frito-Lay began installing these chargers in 2022. This proactive approach underscores the company’s commitment to embracing sustainable transportation solutions and reducing its carbon footprint.

Notably, Frito-Lay is not the only company leveraging the capabilities of the Tesla Semi for early pilot runs. PepsiCo has also prominently featured the Semi in its operations over the past two years, highlighting the growing interest in all-electric commercial trucks.

Furthermore, the Tesla Semi made headlines during the Run on Less EV trucking study in late 2023, where it successfully completed a 1,000-mile run in a single day, showcasing its performance and endurance in real-world scenarios.

Looking ahead, Tesla is gearing up to ramp up production of the Semi later this year. During the Q4 2024 Earnings Call, Lars Moravy, VP of Vehicle Engineering, shared insights into the production timeline, indicating that the first builds of the high-volume Semi design are expected late in 2025, with production scaling up in early 2026.

Construction of a new Semi production facility near Tesla’s Gigafactory in Reno is progressing well, with a recent drone video showcasing the facility’s development. This dedicated production site signifies Tesla’s commitment to accelerating the adoption of sustainable transport solutions and revolutionizing the commercial trucking industry.