While many trucking companies worry about the high cost of electric vehicles, Uber Freight and Tesla have launched a new program to make electric Semi trucks more affordable for fleet operators. The Dedicated EV Fleet Accelerator Program, announced on September 16, 2025, offers fleet companies subsidized access to Tesla’s electric trucks.
The partnership promises participating fleets they’ll recover their investment within ten years. Companies that join must dedicate their Tesla Semi trucks to specific routes within Uber Freight’s network. In return, they’ll receive guaranteed freight orders from Uber Freight’s shipping customers. This arrangement helps reduce the financial risk that comes with buying expensive electric trucks.
Tesla’s Semi trucks can travel up to 500 miles on a single charge for the long-range version. They can carry between 45,000 and 47,000 pounds of cargo. The trucks charge quickly too, with rapid charging speeds up to 1.2 megawatts. Tesla originally said the 300-mile range model would cost $150,000, while the 500-mile version would be $180,000. However, early customer documents suggest these prices may increase before full production begins.
Fleet operators save money immediately by not buying diesel fuel. Electric trucks operate at one-third the energy cost per mile compared to diesel vehicles. They’ll also spend less on maintenance since electric trucks have fewer moving parts than diesel engines. Tesla provides consultation sessions to help fleet owners comprehend the technical details and total costs. Uber Freight handles finding cargo for the trucks and matching them with the right routes.
Electric trucks eliminate diesel costs and reduce maintenance expenses through fewer moving parts, delivering immediate operational savings for fleet operators.
The program tackles the biggest concerns fleet owners have about switching to electric trucks. Many logistics professionals worry about the upfront costs and whether they’ll make their money back. By guaranteeing freight volumes and providing predictable routes, the partnership reduces these risks.
Tesla’s expanding its Semi Charger network to support these operations. The charging infrastructure uses liquid-cooled cables to handle the high power requirements and prevent overheating during rapid charging sessions. Uber Freight designs routes around available charging stations, which helps maximize the trucks’ efficiency. However, charging infrastructure and electrical grid capacity remain important factors for the program’s success.
The companies aren’t trying to replace all diesel trucks immediately. Instead, they’re starting with specific routes where electric trucks make the most sense. Production of the Tesla Semi should increase considerably in 2026, which will allow more fleets to participate in the program.