How Much Will a Tesla Semi Cost to Drive Per Mile?

Given the extensive interest and discussions around the Tesla Semi, many are curious about its cost efficiency compared to traditional diesel trucks. In their well-publicized 500-mile test run in November, a fully loaded Tesla Semi demonstrated an impressive average consumption of 1.7 kWh per mile at 55 mph. Let's delve deeper into the actual costs and challenges faced by different trucking companies.

Electricity Costs for Major Trucking Companies

For major trucking companies like PepsiCo or Walmart, the financial advantages are more evident. These companies can afford to install several Tesla Megachargers at each of their trucking terminals and are likely paying industrial rates for their electricity. The national average for industrial power in December 2022 was around $0.0863 per kWh, translating to around $0.15 per mile in "fuel."

Public Charging Networks and Pricing

However, for the majority of U.S. trucking companies, which typically have 10 trucks or fewer, the cost picture changes significantly. These operators often park their rigs at home without dedicated terminals or private Megachargers. The prevalent public charging networks currently average around $0.25 to $0.30 per kWh at a typical public automobile charger. These chargers are far less powerful than the massive Megachargers and can vary widely in pricing, especially in different regions. For example, some Tesla Supercharger locations in California were charging between $0.40 and $0.50 per kWh last year, with the highest rates peaking at $0.67 per kWh in Southern California.

Assuming a national average of $0.30 per kWh to use a public charger at 1.7 kWh per mile, the calculated cost per mile would be approximately $0.51. This figure reflects the higher cost of public charging relative to industrial rates or when using a Megacharger.

Comparison with Diesel Trucks

Diesel trucks have a better fuel efficiency, with an average figure of around 8 mpg fully loaded at 55 mph. Using today's national diesel average of $4.294, the cost to drive per mile would be approximately $0.54. While there are scenarios where the Tesla Semi could show cost savings, especially for massive trucking companies with in-house charging solutions, the savings are not as extreme as some enthusiasts claim.

Productivity and Operational Costs

It's also essential to factor in lost productivity while charging. A hard-running diesel rig typically spends only 45 minutes or less per week on fueling. In contrast, a Tesla Semi, when charging with a Megacharger, might spend around four hours per week plugged in to run the same miles. If the driver needs to use something less than a Megacharger, the charging time could easily take two to four hours per day.

Furthermore, fuel prices for both fossil fuels and electricity can fluctuate. Energy providers can charge whatever the market will bear, always seeking to maximize profits. Given these variables, the cost of operating a Tesla Semi using public chargers is currently on par with diesel rigs.

Conclusion

While the Tesla Semi is poised to revolutionize the trucking industry, its cost-effectiveness is more nuanced than some of the more exaggerated claims suggest. For major trucking companies with in-house charging solutions, there are indeed savings to be had. However, for small to medium-sized trucking operations, the economics may not be as favorable, especially when considering the additional time and effort required for charging.

As the technology evolves and more charging infrastructure becomes available, the landscape will continue to change. For now, the Tesla Semi offers a compelling alternative, but careful consideration of costs, infrastructure needs, and operational challenges is crucial.