DHL Supply Chain Plans to Add Tesla Semis to Its Electric Fleet in 2026
DHL Supply Chain says it plans to integrate a fleet of Tesla Semis in 2026, expanding its battery-electric trucking operations in California as Tesla begins volume production of the Class 8 truck.
DHL currently operates 20 battery-electric trucks in California overall. Company representative Schablinski told TT that DHL has “more than just a handful” of Tesla Semis on order, with additional units expected to come online next year.
The decision follows a trial program that DHL described as successful, reporting energy use of 1.72 kWh per mile. DHL said the results point to meaningful operational potential, especially for day-to-day routes where electric trucks can be planned around predictable mileage and charging needs.
For drivers, moves like this matter because they signal how quickly battery-electric heavy-duty trucks are shifting from small demonstrations into regular fleet deployment. As more carriers add units, drivers are likely to see more electric tractors on certain lanes and at specific facilities—particularly in California, where electric truck adoption has been concentrated.
- DHL operates 20 battery-electric trucks in California today
- DHL plans to add a fleet of Tesla Semis in 2026 as volume production ramps up
- DHL cited trial efficiency of 1.72 kWh/mile as a key performance data point