Retailers are putting in orders for Tesla’s electric semitrucks even before they hit the market.
Though the vehicles will not start shipping until 2019, the environmental and cost benefits have Walmart and Loblaw Cos. signing up to be among the first to add the trucks to their delivery fleet.
The push to order the trucks is in line with Loblaw’s goal of reducing its emissions impact by 2030. The Canadian grocer aims to have 350 zero-emission trucks in its fleet by then, which would reduce its carbon footprint substantially and would be equal to removing approximately 20,000 cars from the road, TechCrunch reports.
Walmart has also pledged to engage in a pilot program, with 15 of the trucks across North America.
Despite Loblaw committing a $5K deposit for each of the 25 it ordered, the price tag for the trucks has yet to be revealed. In addition to helping the environment, Tesla claims operation costs for the semis will be lower and could help retailers with both carbon footprint and the bottom line.
