Walmart Canada Triples Down on Tesla Semi Truck Orders Before Launch

Featured image: Tesmanian

Walmart Canada more than triples its order for Tesla Semi trucks in an effort to use alternative energy sources to save the environment and reduce carbon emissions.

Walmart Canada currently holds a total of 130 Tesla Semi truck orders; once fulfilled, this would represent one of the largest reserves of electrified trucks in the country, reports NewsWire. The multinational retail company announced a major investment of $3.5 billion over the next five years to drive significant business growth, and meanwhile lines up with Walmart’s global goal of achieving zero emissions by 2040.

Walmart Canada continues to prioritize sustainability in its business operations by finding new and innovative ways to reduce its carbon footprint. By the end of 2022, Walmart Canada is committed to converting 20% ​​of its fleet to electricity, as part of a broader goal of 100% renewable energy for its fleet by 2028.

"Tripling our reservation of Tesla Semi trucks is part of our ongoing effort to innovate the business and prioritize sustainability," said John Bayliss, Senior Vice-president, Logistics and Supply Chain, Walmart Canada. "By converting 20% of our fleet to electric vehicles by the end of 2022 and committing to alternative power for all fleet vehicles by 2028, we are putting safety, innovation and sustainability at the forefront of our logistics network."

Source: Tesmanian

The Tesla Semi will provide a better truck driver experience by improving safety and significantly lowering the cost of shipping. "We are tremendously excited to equip our drivers with this next-generation equipment. The safety and smart elements in the design are at the heart of our smart transportation ambition which will use technology and data to lower our operating costs and improve safety for associates," said Francis Lalonde, Vice President, Transportation, Walmart Canada.

The company cites the following sustainability and safety features as key highlights on the new Tesla Semi electric trucks:

• Tesla Semi consumes less than two kilowatt-hours of energy per mile at Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) and highway speed, significantly reducing operating costs per mile compared to diesel.
• 500 miles range allows a driver to go to their destination and back without recharging (500-mile range at maximum weight at highway speed)
• Capable of 0-60 mph in 20 seconds with a full 80,000-pound load and can climb 5% grades at a steady 65 mph (compared to 45mph for the same grade in a diesel truck)
• Regenerative braking technology recovers 98% of kinetic energy to the battery
• Surrounding vehicle cameras and sensors aid object detection and minimize blind spots, automatically alerting the driver to safety hazards and obstacles
• Additional driver safety features including Automatic Emergency Braking, Automatic Lane Keeping, Lane Departure Warning

The ability to travel 500 miles on a single charge is in line with Walmart Canada's overall fleet system, which mostly consists of round-trips during the day, allowing for a faster switch from diesel. Enhanced driver safety features also provide the company with a significant opportunity to continue addressing this critical issue.

H/T @28delayslater/Twitter

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Article edited by @SmokeyShorts, you can follow him on Twitter

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