Walmart to Test Tesla Electric Trucks

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has revealed its intention to launch a pilot of Tesla’s new electric trucks in the United States and Canada, according to a published report. The Bentonville, Ark.-based mega-retailer has a fleet of about 6,000 trucks.

“We have a long history of testing new technology – including alternative-fuel trucks – and we are excited to be among the first to pilot this new heavy-duty electric vehicle,” Walmart told CNBC. “We believe we can learn how this technology performs within our supply chain, as well as how it could help us meet some of our long-term sustainability goals, such as lowering emissions.”

On Nov. 16, Tesla CEO Elon Musk introduced an electric semitractor-trailer model that has a 500-mile range on a single charge and is electronically connected with a fleet’s management system. The vehicle also enables the driver to stand up and places the steering wheel in the middle with a touchscreen panel on either side of the driver. According to Musk, the truck would go into production in 2019, which is presumably when the Walmart pilot will launch.

"We’ll know more about how long [the pilot] will last as we proceed with the test," a Walmart spokesman told Progressive Grocer.