By: Seraphina Quinn

Highlights

1. Windrose EV long-haul truck has a loaded autonomy range of 670-940km with 729 kWh of battery, 800V high voltage, and 1400 horsepower of peak output

2. Continuous trips were completed for 3100km across Europe, 4500km across the US, and 2253km across China

3. 30 public chargers in Europe, 18 in the US, and 76 in China were tested

4. Testing will also extend to the 4th continent in Australia and New Zealand in Q4 of 2024

The logistics industry has long faced challenges in adopting fully electric trucks, primarily due to concerns about range and the ability to sustain long-haul operations. These concerns have traditionally limited electric vehicles (EVs) use in freight transportation. However, recent advancements have started to address these issues, and Windrose Technology is the flagbearer of this transformation. 

Windrose has made significant strides in demonstrating that fully electric, long-haul trucks can perform efficiently across vast distances, demonstrating their viability in global logistics. Their recent achievements highlight a pivotal moment for the industry, where EVs are now a realistic alternative to traditional diesel-powered trucks for long-haul freight.

Windrose Technology’s Groundbreaking Achievements in Electric Trucking

Windrose Technology has set multiple records with its zero-emission, fully electric long-haul trucks, following a series of global deployments across Europe, the United States, and China. These record-breaking journeys not only showcased the trucks’ real-world performance but also validated their cost-effectiveness, environmental benefits, and operational reliability in diverse and demanding conditions.

The European Milestone: A 3,100 km Journey Across the Continent

In May 2024, Windrose Technology achieved a significant milestone by completing a 3,100 km journey across Europe. This one-week trip began in Antwerp, Belgium, and traversed several countries, including France, Italy, Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic, before concluding in Siedlce, Poland, near the eastern border. This journey set the first of three world records for Windrose, marking the longest single-trip distance ever traveled by a long-haul electric truck in Europe and the first cross-continent trip of its kind.

The European journey was part of a larger 7,725 km expedition that allowed Windrose to test public charging infrastructure across the continent. The truck successfully utilized 30 different charging stations operated by Total Energies, Shell, Fastned and many others, highlighting the capability of existing infrastructure to support long-haul electric trucking. This achievement underscores the potential for electric trucks to operate efficiently across vast distances, even in regions with varying terrain and climate conditions.

Crossing the United States: A 4,500 km Journey from Coast to Coast

In June 2024, Windrose continued to push the boundaries of electric trucking with a 4,500 km journey across the United States. The truck took a continuous trip from New York on the East Coast to Los Angeles on the West Coast, crossing 16 states in the process. This journey set Windrose’s second world record for the longest single-trip distance traveled by a long-haul electric truck in the United States.

The U.S. journey was part of a broader 8,711 km trip that allowed Windrose to test 18 charging stations operated by Electrify America, EVgo, Zeem, and WattEV. The truck’s performance during this journey was particularly noteworthy given the diverse environmental conditions encountered, from the East Coast’s humid climate to the West’s arid deserts. Windrose’s ability to navigate these conditions with a fully electric truck highlights the robustness and adaptability of their technology.

Setting Records in China: A 2,253 KM Commercial Operation

Also, in June 2024, Windrose achieved its third world record with a 2,253 km journey in China. This trip, which took 51 hours to complete, involved transporting goods for Decathlon China, the world’s largest sports retailer, from its Chashan warehouse in Dongguan, Guangdong, to its Yanjiao warehouse in Beijing. This journey is particularly significant as it was the longest single-trip distance traveled by a long-haul electric truck while performing a real commercial operation in China.

The truck carried a trailer full of sports goods and required only two charging stops along the route, demonstrating an impressive 940 km range on a single charge. This journey also marked the world’s first operational application of a megawatt-level charging infrastructure, developed in partnership with Decathlon China, Goodman Group, and BorgWarner. The charging station, located at Goodman’s Yanjiao Logistics Centre, features a maximum charging power of 960 kW with dual-inlet charging, capable of replenishing 60% of the truck’s battery in just 35 minutes.

Technological Innovations Driving Windrose’s Success

The success of Windrose’s electric trucks in these record-setting journeys can be attributed to several key technological innovations. The trucks are equipped with a 729 kWh battery and operate on an 800V high-voltage platform, enabling megawatt-level ultra-fast charging. This technology allows the trucks to achieve a range of up to 1,100 km when operating without a trailer, and 670 km when fully loaded at 49 tons. The truck’s ability to charge quickly and efficiently is crucial for maintaining long-haul operations and minimizing downtime, making it a competitive alternative to diesel trucks.

Windrose’s trucks also demonstrated exceptional performance in a variety of challenging environments. During the global record-setting journeys, the trucks operated at high altitudes, including crossing the Alps, and in extreme temperatures, such as those found in Death Valley and the Utah/Nevada desert where temperatures exceeded 48°C. These achievements validate the trucks’ reliability and durability in real-world conditions, further solidifying Windrose’s position as a leader in electric trucking technology.

Environmental and Economic Impact

Sustainable transport is vital in tackling climate change as the transportation sector contributes 20.2% of global CO2 emissions, with road transport accounting for 75% of these emissions. With the urgent need to transition towards sustainable transportation solutions, particularly in the trucking sector and zero emissions logistics, the Istanbul International Center for Private Sector in Development (ICPSD) and the Sustainable Energy Hub have partnered with Windrose Technology.

From an economic perspective, the extended ranges achieved between charges also contribute to cost savings. In the United States, with diesel priced at $4.00 per gallon and electricity at $0.15 per kWh, the savings amount to $411 per 1,000 miles. Given that long-haul trucks typically travel about 100,000 miles per year, this translates to approximately $41,100 in annual savings, in addition to the environmental benefits. These cost advantages, combined with the reduced carbon footprint, make Windrose’s electric trucks an attractive option for logistics companies looking to optimize both financial and environmental performance.

Expanding Global Reach and Future Prospects

Building on these record-setting journeys’ success, Windrose Technology continues expanding its global reach. The company is deploying more trucks across key markets, including Oceania and Latin America, and expects customer deliveries to begin in Q4 2024. This extensive testing phase will ensure that Windrose’s trucks are ready to meet the diverse needs of global logistics networks and operate reliably in various conditions.

Windrose is also engaging in trial tests with several reputable third-party logistics (3PL) providers and brand owners, such as SF Kerry Logistics (HKG: 0636), Rokin Logistics, the German leader in enclosure systems Rittal, as well as Goodman Group (ASX: GMG). These partnerships will allow Windrose to refine its technology further and ensure that its trucks are well-suited to the demands of the logistics industry. By working closely with industry leaders, Windrose is positioning itself as a critical player in the global transition to electric trucking.

Windrose Technology

Windrose Technology was founded in 2022 by Wen Han, a Stanford graduate with a background in finance and strategy at leading firms like Bridgewater Associates and Plus. The company is the first to design a ground-up, clean-slate, zero-emissions long-haul truck to create a vehicle that outperforms diesel trucks in both cost and quality. Windrose’s electric trucks are focused on critical global markets, including China, the United States, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, with production set to begin in 2024.

The Windrose team is comprised of seasoned professionals from reputable original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), with 80% of its R&D team having at least eight years of experience in truck development. This expertise has contributed to the company’s impressive portfolio of over 240 patents, positioning Windrose as a leader in electric truck innovation.

Windrose has attracted significant investment from a range of prominent venture capital firms and strategic partners, including Fountainvest, Yunqi Partners, GSR Ventures, Goodman Group (ASX:GMG), Hefei Venture Capital, and HSBC (NYSE: HSBC). The company’s advisory board includes current and former executives from major companies, including Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO), Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS), Starbucks (NASDAQ: SBUX), Geely, XPO (NYSE: XPO), Ryder (NYSE:R), providing Windrose with a strong foundation for growth and innovation.

Published By: Aize Perez