When Tesla unveiled the Semi electric truck, Pepsi was one of the first believers.

Pepsi has added 21 Semis to its fleet in its production hub in Sacramento, California. Amanda DeVoe, Pepsi’s Transformation and Strategy Director, details how the Tesla-made trucks are filling its sustainable transportation needs, “Battery electric vehicles are essential for us."

"It’s really grounded in how we use our assets because a majority of our business is anchored in going to market, we deliver predominantly under 100 miles on a daily basis, and we run those vehicles around 12 hours a day.”

According to Devoe, the Semi is very suited for short-range runs that operate out of its Sacramento distribution warehouse. However, three out of the 21 trucks regularly handle between 250 and 450 miles on each trip. In addition, Pepsi staff have not had any issues adapting to the electric trucks.

Pepsi also mentions the regenerative braking system on the Semi, which is especially useful on some routes. Other features of the truck include charging to 95 percent with the Megachargers in between 20 to 30 minutes, a comfortable interior, and a high and centered driver’s seat.

Tesla Semi’s regenerative braking is particularly beneficial on the way down Donner Pass when going to Nevada, the Tesla Semi was able to be energy neutral by recuperating energy from braking.

It is estimated that Tesla Semis produce a 23% fuel cost reduction over the most efficient diesel trucks.

Fuel/energy cost reduction is more like 50-70% when you factor in that most diesel trucks don't have regenerative braking and lose a lot of efficiency when driving in stop and go traffic.

Earlier this year, Tesla announced that it will build $3.6 billion electric semi truck manufacturing facility in the Reno area. The new Tesla project will create 3,000 Nevada jobs.

The new semi truck and battery facility will have 4 million square feet of manufacturing space.