Trucking Efficiency Roundup: Tesla Semi chargers, Horizon Motor, Mitra EV expand fleet electrification

Tesla Semi chargers to support fleet electrification at select Pilot travel stops

Pilot Travel Centers has partnered with Tesla to install Semi Chargers at select travel centers along major U.S. corridors, including I-5 and I-10. Construction of the charging stations will begin in the first half of 2026, with the first sites expected to open in the summer.

“Helping to shape the future of energy is a strategic pillar in meeting the needs of our guests and the North American transportation industry,” Shannon Sturgil, SVP of alternative fuels at Pilot, stated. “Heavy-duty charging is yet another extension of our exploration into alternative fuel offerings, and we’re happy to partner with a leader in the space that provides turnkey solutions and deploys them quickly.”

The charging stations will feature four to eight stalls using Tesla’s V4 cabinet technology, delivering up to 1.2 megawatts of power per stall. Tesla states that most of a Semi truck’s 500-mile range can be restored in a 30-minute charge session. Read more…

Horizon Motor receives CARB certification for 2026 Class 3–5 zero-emission trucks

Horizon Motor recently received CARB Executive Order certification for its 2026 Class 3–5 zero-emission powertrain family. The certification confirms that the battery-electric powertrains meet California standards for zero exhaust emissions of criteria pollutants and greenhouse gases.

With this executive order in place, Horizon Motor is now authorized to sell Class 3–5 zero-emission vehicles in California and other CARB-adopting states, including New York and New Jersey.

The company has submitted applications for incentive programs such as California’s HVIP and is awaiting approval. Additional CARB certifications for higher-weight classes are expected soon, expanding Horizon Motor’s Class 3–8 zero-emission vehicle portfolio.

Mitra EV raises $27M to expand turnkey fleet electrification and shared charging network

Mitra EV recently secured $27 million in financing to expand its commercial fleet electrification platform. The funding supports Mitra’s turnkey model, which provides EV leasing, dedicated charging, and shared fast-charging hubs for fleets seeking immediate cost savings.

“The way we structured this financing matters as much as the amount,” James Tong, co-founder and chief strategy officer of Mitra EV, stated. “It gives us the flexibility to deploy the right mix of vehicles, overnight charging, and shared fast-charging hubs to address real fleet needs now and scale responsibly over time.”

Mitra claims its platform serves fleets by reducing operating costs up to 75% through lower fueling and maintenance expenses. The company recently launched the nation’s first shared DC fast-charging hub network for urban commercial fleets to increase adoption and improve infrastructure utilization. The financing will be used to expand the charging network, deploy additional fleet solutions, and scale Mitra’s capital-efficient electrification model into new markets. Read more…