Overview
- Paper Transport announced a partnership with Tesla to run the Tesla Semi Long Range in its Chicago dedicated lanes as a real-world evaluation of the truck in controlled routes.
- PTI chose its dedicated operating model because fixed routes and consistent daily mileage make it easier to measure range, uptime and operating costs for battery-electric Class 8 tractors.
- Company leaders framed the pilot as an expansion of PTI’s sustainability portfolio that will give shippers another option for cutting Scope 3 emissions alongside renewable natural gas and intermodal services.
- PTI noted its 15-year sustainability program includes more than 87 million miles on compressed and renewable natural gas, and it will use data from the Semi trial to shape customer offerings.
- Technical context for the trial includes the Long Range Semi’s roughly 500-mile rating and large battery pack, and PTI said it has not disclosed fleet size or trial length as it evaluates whether the truck can deliver reliable, cost-effective service outside incentive-heavy markets.