EVwire brief: WattEV announced plans to deploy 370 Tesla Semi units across California, marking one of the largest electric truck deployments in the United States.
Deliveries are expected to begin with 50 trucks in 2026, with the full fleet operational by end of 2027. More than 300 units will be deployed under a joint program with the Port of Oakland.
WattEV CEO Salim Youssefzadeh explained the rationale behind the large Tesla Semi order during the annual ACT Expo in Las Vegas.
“We selected the Tesla Semi based on cost, performance and availability after issuing a public request for proposals.”
The WattEV team featured a first-gen Tesla Semi in its booth at ACT Expo last year
Context:
The deployment will be supported by a growing network of megawatt-class charging depots, including initial sites at the Port of Oakland and Fresno, with additional locations planned in Stockton and Sacramento.
These sites will use Tesla’s Megawatt Charging System (MCS), which WattEV said can add approximately 300 miles of range in about 30 minutes.
The expansion builds on WattEV’s existing Southern California footprint, which includes six operational depots at the Port of Long Beach, San Bernardino, Gardena, Bakersfield (solar-powered), Vernon, and Oxnard.
The company has 15 additional sites under development as it moves toward a broader statewide and eventual nationwide network.
WattEV deployed its first Tesla Semi at the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles
WattEV targets cost advantage over diesel with integrated model
WattEV said its approach combines trucks, charging infrastructure, and logistics into a single platform designed to lower barriers to fleet electrification.
“We expect diesel fuel costs will continue to be a decisive factor in fleet procurement decisions. Our electrified freight solutions allow us to deliver goods at better economics compared to diesel today. As energy costs diverge further, the economic case only strengthens.”
The company reported that its existing fleet of 75 electric trucks has logged more than 7 million electric freight miles, primarily across drayage and middle-mile operations.
Source: WattEV
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