Although I have been involved in trucking for the past 37 years, I can easily say I have never been as excited about this industry as I am right now. Recently I had the opportunity to participate in the Stanislaus Partners in Education “Educators in Industry” program. Here educators are matched with companies to learn more about relevant industry trends that can be transferred back to the classroom. I knew immediately that I had to become involved as there is one component that I would love to incorporate into the Patterson High School and Next Gen curriculum – EV semi-trucks.
Although there is plenty of information out there on what this technology is, what is lacking is how someone operates this new technology efficiently and safely. I wanted to look at this from the driver’s perspective and talk to those actively engaged in implementing this technology. Luckily, I didn’t need to look too far as PHS industry partner and Next Gen member Frito-Lay (the Pepsico Foundation was a generous donor to the NGT Curriculum Guide) welcomed my request with open arms. It should be noted my request to learn about the EV platform in general and not specifically about the manufacturer that Frito-Lay uses which is Tesla.
This was an amazing experience, to say the least. I was able to spend a day with the Tesla EV semi techs who are responsible for keeping wheels turning and learn about specific vehicle components that a driver who is new to this technology needs to be aware of and understand. I was also able to participate in a 12-hour run with Frito-Lay driver Eric Bettencourt, who has the most miles of anyone in the US behind the wheel of the Tesla semi. His experience and expertise were pivotal in obtaining the needed information as he answered the countless questions that I had.
I am extremely grateful for this opportunity to spend time with Frito-Lay and for welcoming back to the Frito-Lay family (I drove for them back in the 90’s). Thank you to Modesto Terminal manager, Matt Silva, for your welcoming and warm hospitality and for seeing the value in educating the next generation in trucking. We are excited to begin the work of taking the knowledge I learned and turning it into a module that will be a part of the NGT Two-Year Pathway that we are currently developing.