Pilot Travel Centers, the largest operator of travel centers in the U.S., has signed an agreement with EV maker Tesla (TSLA) to install charging stations for heavy-duty electric trucks. Under the plan, Tesla Semi Chargers will be built at select Pilot locations along major freight routes such as I-5, I-10, and other high-traffic corridors. The first sites are expected to open in the summer of 2026, with construction scheduled to begin in the first half of 2026 at locations across California, Georgia, Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas.
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According to Pilot, the partnership fits into its strategy of increasing its alternative fuel options. Shannon Sturgil, senior vice president of alternative fuels at Pilot, said that heavy-duty charging is a natural step in the company’s plan to meet the needs of travelers and fleet operators. Notably, each participating travel center will feature four to eight charging stalls and use Tesla’s V4 cabinet technology, which can deliver up to 1.2 megawatts of power per stall. This setup is designed to support fast and reliable charging for commercial trucks that are operating on tight schedules.
In fact, Tesla has previously stated that most of the Semi’s roughly 500-mile range can be recovered in about 30 minutes, which actually matches with federally mandated rest breaks for professional drivers. Initially, the charging network will focus on Tesla’s Semi trucks, but Pilot said that it could eventually be expanded to support electric trucks from other manufacturers. In addition, Pilot noted that demand for alternative fuels continues to rise across North America. Therefore, the company is also investing in hydrogen, renewable diesel, and higher-blend biodiesel.
What Is the Prediction for TSLA Stock?
Turning to Wall Street, analysts have a Hold consensus rating on TSLA stock based on 10 Buys, eight Holds, and seven Sells assigned in the past three months, as indicated by the graphic below. Furthermore, the average TSLA price target of $398.38 per share implies 7.6% downside risk.
