HMD Trucking Has Purchased 50 Tesla Semis

The Chicago-based carrier invested $15 million in electric trucks to modernize its long-haul fleet.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Electric Vehicles

A modern electric semi-truck parked at an industrial loading dock facility under soft daylight.
HMD Trucking has acquired 50 Tesla electric semi-trucks for $15 million, a strategic move to transition the Chicago-based carrier toward long-haul fleet electrification. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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HMD Trucking has acquired 50 Tesla Semi electric trucks as part of a major investment to transition away from its current fleet of diesel vehicles. The company is also developing its own charging infrastructure in Chicago to support the new long-haul rigs.

Why it matters

By adopting electric technology, the firm expects to significantly reduce long-term fuel and maintenance costs. This move marks a strategic shift for the carrier as it aims to improve efficiency in its logistics operations.

The Tesla Semis feature 850 kWh battery packs and are supported by Tesla Megachargers that deliver up to 1.2 megawatts of energy. Each vehicle offers a maximum hauling range of 500 miles.

The players

HMD Trucking

This Chicago-based logistics firm employs more than 1,000 people and maintains a fleet of nearly 700 trucks.

Henry Malukas

He is a founder of HMD Trucking who expects electric big rigs to eventually replace all diesel vehicles in the company fleet.

Tesla

This company manufactures the electric Semi trucks and the high-output Megacharger systems being adopted by the fleet.

The details

HMD Trucking, which generates $250 million in annual revenue, is currently comprised of 99 percent Peterbilt diesel trucks. The firm is now investing $15 million to integrate these electric units into its operations across Chicago, Illinois, and Indiana.

Timeline

  1. Henry and Daiva Malukas founded HMD Trucking in 1998.

  2. Henry Malukas attended the Tesla Semi launch event in September 2026.

Roadmap

The adoption of the Tesla Semi represents a significant step in the long-haul trucking industry's transition from traditional internal combustion engines to electric propulsion. This movement aligns with broader corporate efforts to lower operational costs while meeting modern sustainability targets.

For Chicago-based logistics operations, this transition suggests a shift toward specialized charging hubs rather than traditional fueling stations. Drivers and staff at the firm will likely undergo training to manage the specific maintenance and charging requirements of electric big rigs.

The takeaway

The move by HMD Trucking highlights the economic appeal of electric trucks due to lower anticipated fuel and maintenance expenses. Businesses in the logistics sector may increasingly view charging infrastructure as a critical asset comparable to traditional maintenance facilities.

Further reading

Learn more about the latest developments in the Electric Vehicles industry.

Source note: This article includes information reported by MotorTrend.

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Is now a good time for businesses to switch their fleets to electric trucks?