The FedEx corporation has placed an order for 20 units of the electric Tesla Semi trucks, in an attempt to reduce their environmental impact and make the roads safer.
Tesla’s zero-emission trucks will handle small cargo, as part of the Memphis-based company’s ‘less-than-truckload’ unit, and will be delivered after 2019, when production is scheduled to begin, if nothing interferes with the initial plan, that is.
“FedEx has a long history of innovation and incorporating sustainability efforts throughout its global network. Our investment in these trucks is part of our commitment to improving road safety, while also reducing our environmental impact”, said the corporation’s President and CEO, Mike Ducker, in a press release made public earlier this week.
The American multinational courier delivery services giant hasn’t announced which version of the Tesla Semi they have ordered. Nevertheless, it can only be one out of two: the 300-mile (480km) range, which should start at roughly $150,000, and the 500-mile (800km) one that’s estimated to be about $30,000 more expensive.
In addition to their impressive electric range, the Tesla Semi trucks promise to offer “electric energy cost savings that are half of that of diesel”, as it’s shown in FedEx’s release. They’re also equipped with different driving assistance aids, from the Autopilot to surround cameras.
FedEx estimates that it has saved more than 158 million gallons (598 million liters) of fuel by replacing some of their vehicles with new ones that run on electricity, hydrogen and natural gas. And with the addition of the 20 Tesla Semis, this number will go up faster.
The largest known order for the electric trucks came from UPS, which reserved 125 units. Another 100 examples were pre-ordered by PepsiCo and 40 by Anheuser-Busch. Other companies that will use the Tesla Semi are Wal-Mart, Sysco and J.B. Hunt.
![](https://www.carscoops.com/wp-content/themes/carscoops/assets/images/icons/arrow.png"){kind=icon}