OAKLAND, Calif. — WattEV officially commenced commercial operations Thursday on the first routes of what it calls the largest electric freight network in North America, deploying Tesla Semi trucks between the Port of Oakland and distribution centers in Fresno and Bakersfield. The launch marks a tangible first step in a project backed by the Port of Oakland that aims to electrify a key corridor of California's goods-movement economy.

The company dispatched an initial fleet of heavy-duty Tesla Semis from its charging depot in the East Bay early Thursday morning, carrying containerized cargo destined for Central Valley warehouses. WattEV executives said the route was selected specifically because it sits within the Tesla Semi's confirmed range on a single charge, minimizing operational risk during the network's inaugural week.

Port of Oakland officials attended a brief ceremony marking the launch, framing the project as central to the port's broader zero-emission cargo handling strategy. California Air Resources Board representatives were also present, noting the corridor aligns with the state's Advanced Clean Trucks regulation, which mandates increasing shares of zero-emission vehicles for drayage and long-haul operators operating in California.

Tesla did not host its own event, but the company's commercial vehicle division confirmed the 370-unit order remained on schedule for full delivery by the end of 2026. Industry analysts noted Thursday's activation puts real operational data on the table for other fleet operators weighing electric long-haul transitions, with fuel and maintenance cost comparisons against diesel equivalents expected to be published by WattEV within 90 days.

Environmental advocates praised the development as a concrete proof point for battery-electric heavy freight, while some logistics analysts cautioned that scaling beyond the initial Oakland-to-Fresno run will require significantly expanded public and private charging infrastructure along Interstate 5 and Highway 99. WattEV said it is in discussions with California Energy Commission to co-fund additional charging hubs at three truck stops along the corridor.