WattEV is accelerating the transition to zero-emission freight transport with a major new order for 370 Tesla Semi Class 8 electric trucks, marking the largest single electric truck deployment in California to date.
The company announced that deliveries of the first 50 Tesla Semis are expected to begin in 2026, with the full fleet scheduled to be operational by the end of 2027. The move further strengthens WattEV’s position as one of the leading operators in the rapidly expanding electric freight sector.
The large-scale deployment comes as the Tesla Semi enters broader production and continues to gain traction among commercial fleet operators looking to reduce operating costs and emissions.
WattEV Expands Electric Freight Operations
WattEV’s strategy goes beyond simply adding electric trucks to its fleet. The company is building a vertically integrated freight ecosystem that combines vehicle deployment, charging infrastructure, and full-service leasing solutions.
This approach is designed to help freight carriers transition to electric transportation without major upfront investment or operational complexity.
More than 300 of the newly awarded Tesla Semi trucks will operate under a joint initiative with the Port of Oakland, supporting California’s push toward cleaner port operations and lower freight emissions.
Megawatt Charging Infrastructure Coming Online
The first Tesla Semi deliveries will align with the opening of new WattEV truck charging depots at the Port of Oakland and Fresno.
Both sites will feature Tesla’s Megawatt Charging System (MCS), capable of delivering around 300 miles of driving range in roughly 30 minutes. That charging speed brings electric freight operations closer to the refueling times traditionally associated with diesel trucks.
WattEV is also continuing to expand its charging network across California. New depots are planned for Stockton later this year, while a Sacramento facility is expected to break ground in 2026.
These additions will complement the company’s existing Southern California network, which already includes operational depots at the Port of Long Beach, San Bernardino, Gardena, Bakersfield, Vernon, and Oxnard.
With another 15 sites currently under development, WattEV is laying the groundwork for a future nationwide electric freight corridor.
Tesla Semi Chosen for Cost and Performance
According to WattEV CEO Salim Youssefzadeh, the Tesla Semi was selected following a public request-for-proposals process that evaluated factors including cost, vehicle performance, and production availability.
The deployment represents a significant milestone for the company’s long-term expansion strategy into long-haul electric transportation.
WattEV believes battery-electric trucking combined with lower energy costs could reshape freight economics over the coming decade. By building charging infrastructure, fleet operations, and logistics software together, the company aims to create a scalable platform for electric freight movement across the United States.
Electric Freight Economics Continue to Improve
Rising diesel prices remain one of the key drivers behind fleet electrification. WattEV says its electric freight operations are already delivering competitive economics compared to conventional diesel trucking.
The company’s growing experience in drayage and middle-mile logistics is also helping refine its operating model for larger-scale deployment.
In 2025, WattEV’s 75-truck electric fleet surpassed 7 million freight miles across Southern California operations since launch, demonstrating the increasing viability of battery-electric heavy-duty trucking in real-world commercial use.
As charging infrastructure expands and electric truck production ramps up, deployments like this could play a major role in accelerating the shift toward zero-emission freight transport across North America.
