Pilot partners with Tesla to build electric truck charging network

Pilot Travel Centers has officially announced a partnership with Tesla to develop a new charging network designed specifically for heavy-duty electric trucks. This partnership aims to support the growing need for heavy-duty electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure across the United States.

The collaboration will bring Tesla Semi chargers to select Pilot travel centers. The companies have chosen strategic locations along key transportation routes, including Interstate 5 (I-5) and Interstate 10 (I-10). The corridors’ selection is based on the highest demand for heavy-duty charging.

Construction for the new charging stations is scheduled to begin in the first half of 2026. The initial rollout will target specific states, including California, Georgia, Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas. According to the announcement, the first operational sites are expected to open to drivers by the summer of 2026.

Each of the selected Pilot locations will be equipped with four to eight charging stalls. These stations will use Tesla’s advanced V4 cabinet charging technology. This system is designed to deliver high power output, providing up to 1.2 megawatts per stall.

Tesla has stated that its Semi truck can recover the majority of its 500-mile range during a single 30-minute charging session. This timeframe aligns with the standard mandatory break periods for professional truck drivers, minimizing downtime and keeping freight moving efficiently.

Shannon Sturgil, the senior vice president of alternative fuels at Pilot, described the project as a key part of the company’s strategy to meet the evolving needs of the transportation industry. Sturgil noted that heavy-duty charging extends Pilot’s exploration into alternative fuels. The company is currently diversifying its energy offerings to include hydrogen, renewable diesel, and higher-blend biodiesel, in addition to electrification.

Initially, the new charging network will focus specifically on supporting Tesla’s Semi trucks. However, the infrastructure is being built with future flexibility in mind. Pilot indicated that the network could eventually expand to accommodate heavy-duty electric vehicles from other manufacturers as well.

(source)