Tesla Gets Trolled as Coca-Cola Takes Delivery of Its Renault Electric Delivery Trucks

Soft drinks giant Coca-Cola has unveiled its battery-powered Renault trucks ahead of Pepsi’s release of the Tesla Semi. Pepsi is scheduled to begin its delivery operations with the Tesla Semi on December 1.

Renault Trucks, the manufacturer of the new Coke delivery trucks had previously mocked Tesla’s Elon Musk about the release of the Semi. While Pepsi is setting up its Megacharger station, Coca-Cola has already commenced operations with its new electric trucks in Belgium. Both long-haul EV trucks by Renault and Tesla mark their entry into the heavy-duty end of the EV industry. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has made several failed promises concerning the release of the Semi since 2017. This year, however, it is expected to debut with 15 trucks to its first customer Pepsi by December 1.

The Renault trucks released to Coca-Cola in Belgium are of the E-Tech D et D Wide model with a likely shorter range than the Tesla Semi. The Renault electric rigs will be deployed for last-mile deliveries by Coke. The model was custom-designed to suit Coca-Cola’s logistic data on deliveries, according to Renault Trucks. The trucks provide energy efficiency, comfort, and safety for drivers. They are also equipped with 360-degree camera systems to eliminate bind spots, a clear door on the passenger side, and a loudspeaker to warn pedestrians and cyclists.

The Renault rigs have a range of 200km on a single charge, compared to the 150km average route distance for diesel delivery trucks. The trucks can be charged overnight from dedicated piles using green energy for the top-ups generated on-site.

Renault says it is expanding the public charging infrastructure in Europe through several strategic partnerships. It hopes to deliver a true competitor to the Tesla Semi in 2023. The new electric truck will come with a much longer range than the electric rigs deployed by Coca-Cola.