“Some people think our truck is built for American roads, but that’s not true,” said Han. “We meet every country’s regulations, and the UK is no exception. At 2.54 metres wide, we’re well within UK limits.”
The Windrose truck offers an impressive 670-kilometre range at a total weight of 49 tonnes. Its flexibility is complemented by advanced Charging capabilities, tested extensively across more than 140 public chargers worldwide. “We’ve tested with chargers from all the major brands, like Shell, BP, Total, ABB, and Siemens. Our truck isn’t a picky eater—it can charge almost anywhere, quickly and reliably,” Han explained.
The vehicle’s fast-charging capability, which reaches near-megawatt levels, sets it apart. “We’ve put megawatt-level charging into production in China and have tested it in Europe and the United States,” Han said. “We like to say we can not only charge fast but also charge anywhere. That’s critical for operators in the real world.”
In addition to its charging prowess, the truck’s innovative design breaks conventional norms, featuring a central-seating cabin for better aerodynamics and visibility. Han highlighted its roomy cab, describing it as “8.2 cubic metres—big enough to fit an entire professional basketball team and their bench warmers (which we have actually proven)” he laughs.
Windrose’s production is already underway, with deliveries to major global customers such as Maersk and Nike expected during this quarter (Q4 2024). The company is also laying the groundwork for a strong after-sales service network. “Offering world-class service is key,” said Han. “We’re designing a system that makes maintenance straightforward and accessible. Electric trucks are easier to maintain than diesel ones, and we hope this will attract a new generation of engineers, including more women and young people.”
Strategic sales network
Windrose has ambitious plans to establish a strong global sales and support network. The company intends to partner with local dealers and trailer manufacturers to ensure comprehensive market coverage and seamless integration for customers. “We’re looking to work with established local partners, particularly trailer manufacturers such as Krone and Schmitz Cargobull,” Han explained. “These partnerships are natural because our products complement theirs without competing. Trailers and trucks go hand in hand, and we believe this approach will help us provide a complete solution to operators.”
Han also emphasised that after-sales service would be delivered through a mix of local dealer networks and Windrose’s own innovative processes. “We’re designing a ‘cookbook’ for servicing, spare parts, and maintenance times, but we won’t hire all the cooks,” he joked. “Instead, we’ll work with partners to deliver efficient and high-quality support.”
UK opportunities
The UK logistics market, with its mix of articulated and rigid trucks, represents a significant opportunity. While the current focus is on six-by-four and four-by-two axle configurations, Han assured that Windrose could adapt to UK-specific needs, including six-by-two setups.
“The UK is an interesting market,” Han said. “We’re hearing different things from operators, but it’s clear the country has great potential for EV trucks. The question is, where’s the perfect first route? Birmingham to Manchester? Something else? We’re open to hearing from operators about where our truck can make the biggest impact.”
Windrose has set an ambitious goal of 10,000 trucks on the road by 2027. “People ask if that’s achievable,” said Han. “I say yes. We’re taking advantage of mature EV production capabilities in China, Belgium, France, and the US, and our team knows how to deliver.” Bolstering Han’s confidence is the fact that Windrose’s CTO has overseen the production of over 200,000 trucks during his career, and Windrose already has production partnerships in place, including with Suzhou Higer, a Chinese manufacturer known for building large volumes of buses for Scania, including electric buses.
As Windrose prepares for its UK entry, Han issued a call to action: “If you’re a road transport operator in the UK, we want to hear from you. Tell us where this truck should go first, and let’s make it happen.”
