What you need to know:
- The R700, a Class 8 battery-electric truck seen as a Tesla Semi competitor, is moving toward series production and broader sales.
- Windrose is actively posting videos and data from validation tests, both in and outside the U.S., on social media.
- One skeptic who spoke to Clean Trucking labels this as just a “social media splash,” not a substitute for real-world customer validation.
- Windrose previously stated U.S. market production will get underway this month.
As Windrose Technology continues to make progress towards series production and general sales of its Tesla Semi-rivaling R700 Class 8 battery-electric semi, some vital customer questions remain unanswered.
One such potential customer, who wishes to remain anonymous, told Clean Trucking they've hit the brakes on proceeding with placing an order "because [Windrose] has not shown me that their truck is certified for U.S. operations and that it will achieve all the performance they promise."
The R700, which received EPA approval last January, continues to undergo a series of validation tests in and outside of the U.S. Clips of these tests, along with some relevant data pertaining to charging and distances traveled, are often posted on social media by Windrose.
Our source, however, dismisses this as "social media splash."
Impressive numbers
Without question, the R700's specs are impressive for long-haul duties.
It's equipped with a 729 kWh battery, an 800V high-voltage platform capable of megawatt-level dual-inlet charging, and a loaded autonomous range of around 420 miles with a gross weight of 98,000 lbs. A base price of around $250,000 is rumored.
[Related: Check out the Windrose inside and out; the Tesla Semi's best competitor?]
To compare, the Tesla Semi boasts a choice of two battery sizes (500 and 800 kWh), a 1,000V powertrain charging system, a maximum 500-mile range, and a gross weight of 82,000 lbs. Tesla has not announced final pricing.
But these specs and Windrose's notable social media presence aren't enough to convince everyone of the R700's road readiness.
Reality vs. social media
Windrose CEO and founder, Wen Han, told us earlier this year at the ACT Expo that U.S. market production is slated to begin this summer at a still unconfirmed location. Huntington Beach, California and Savannah, Georgia have both been mentioned as potential production sites. So far, no announcement has been made about a production start date.
[Related: Windrose CEO Wen Han's bold U.S. market plan is underway]
Founded in 2022 in China with global manufacturing goals, Windrose already has a production site in Antwerp, Belgium for the EU market. Final assembly for the Asian and Oceania markets takes place in those regions.
Major components, specifically the chassis, e-axles, batteries, and suspension are, for now, produced in China.
According to its social media posts, Windrose appears to be doing everything right. Production-spec customer vehicle testing in real-world scenarios and partnerships with charging infrastructure providers have been documented.
But our U.S.-based source, who has significant experience in zero-emission, battery-electric fleet management, still has concerns about the vehicle and the company overall.
"I was a [Windrose] supporter, but I have not been able to get my hands on the truck since they came into the U.S. and none of their timelines are believable," the individual explained.
"[Windrose is] very successful if you follow them on social media, but the reality is they are having issues. I am not giving them a deposit on their vehicle, or firming up any purchase orders. Running the units in multiple areas with these operators for social media splash but not being able to provide us with a demo truck is concerning to me and shows me they don’t have their priorities straight."
The specifics of these "issues" remain unknown. Our source's hesitation in doing business with Windrose, it seems, stems from its inability to provide concrete answers to some vital questions.
Clean Trucking reached out to Windrose for clarification and additional details relating to these comments but didn't receive a response in time for publication. We'll update this article if a response is received.
"Wen has done some great things with Windrose, but you can only fake it until you make it for so long before you get kicked in the gut when it's time to deliver and that time is now," the source concluded.
