How can electric big rigs compete with diesel trucks that’ve dominated America’s highways for decades? Uber Freight and Tesla believe they’ve found the answer through their new Dedicated EV Fleet Accelerator Program, designed to help trucking companies make the switch to electric vehicles.
The partnership targets one of freight shipping’s biggest challenges: getting carriers to invest in expensive new technology. Tesla Semis cost more upfront than traditional diesel trucks, creating a barrier for many companies. The program addresses this by offering subsidies that lower the purchase price and providing guaranteed freight contracts that ensure the trucks stay busy.
Tesla’s Semi truck can travel up to 500 miles on a single charge, making it suitable for long-haul routes. It carries about 20 tonnes of cargo, matching what diesel trucks can haul. The real savings come from operating costs. Charging expenses run just 20 to 30 percent of what companies pay for diesel fuel. Electric trucks also need less maintenance because their drivetrains have fewer moving parts and longer service intervals. Additionally, Tesla’s Bioweapon Defense Mode offers advanced air filtration, ensuring a cleaner environment for drivers during long hauls.
Tesla Semis match diesel hauling capacity while slashing fuel costs by 70 to 80 percent and requiring far less maintenance.
Uber Freight’s role is ensuring these expensive vehicles don’t sit idle. The company provides dedicated long-term shipping contracts that guarantee consistent work for the Tesla Semis. This predictable revenue stream helps carriers justify the investment and reduces the financial risk of owning underutilized assets. Based on fuel and maintenance savings combined with steady use, the program expects carriers to recover their investment within a decade.
Infrastructure remains critical to success. Tesla’s expanding its Semi Charger network across the US, using 1.2-megawatt cables that enable fast charging. The program designs routes around existing and planned charger locations, preventing trucks from running out of power and minimizing downtime.
The collaboration aims to decarbonize America’s freight industry by expanding zero-emission trucking capacity. A recent two-month field trial in Northern California with selected carriers covered nearly 20,000 kilometres across 394 driving hours, demonstrating the system’s real-world viability. By combining Tesla’s electric truck technology with Uber Freight’s shipping network and contract guarantees, both companies hope to prove that electric big rigs can compete with diesel while serving the growing demand for cleaner transportation options.