There have been at least 8 breakdowns in the fleet of Tesla Semi electric trucks being put to use by the logistics department of Frito-Lay
It’s been only a few months since the first batch of Tesla Semi was delivered to Frito-Lay in California. In this relatively short duration, at least as many as eight instances of the all-electric truck breaking down. Each breakdown was photographed and brought much flak to Tesla for the reliability issues. In a recent report by Teslarati, it’s been stated that some of these breakdowns were due to an issue with a software switch. In these cases, the drivers pulled over wilfully on seeing screens flickering or shutting down completely.
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Most Tesla Semi ‘Breakdowns’ Attributed to Dash Screen Issues
On the other hand, some users blamed the loss of range for carrying heavy cargo. Many even considered it a mechanical problem as the Semi is still pretty new. But what’s for sure is that at least some of the reported breakdowns can be safely attributed to a glitch with a software switch. Instead of a breakdown, the drivers pull over when they notice the dash displays going dark or flickering. Simply speaking, they do not know how to deal with it and hence, pull over as a precautionary measure.
Drivers in the logistics department of Frito-Lay have revealed that they pull over as the digital displays offer information on speed, range, surround views, suspension information, and more. With the displays malfunctioning, the drivers fear running into issues for which they can be reprimanded. Hence, they get the trucks towed to a ‘secret location’ in Lathrop for repair work. A tow truck driver claims to have transported at least 4 Semis to this location so far.
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Too Early to Call Semi a Dud
These breakdowns raise some eyebrows, but it’s important to note that it’s only been four months since Frito-Lay started using the Tesla Semi. Also, with only 15 units earmarked to be inducted into the company’s fleet this year, it’s certainly not a critical part of the logistics. Also, if the issue is software-related, the same can be sorted by a version update. Tesla has, in fact, already displayed the capability of the Semi by showing the truck traveling 500 miles on a full charge. All in all, it’s still in the early stage of deployment, and such issues aren’t exactly out of the ordinary. So far, there’s been no indication of these early issues ruining PepsiCo and Frito-Lay’s plans of inducting more Semis into their fleet. The issues surely need to be ironed out, but they’re far minuscule to term the product a failure.
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