– Decathlon is the largest sports retailer in the world
– 940km autonomy range
– 2,253 km single-trip distance carrying a total weight of 26 tons
– two charging stops along the route
– 729 kWh of battery size
– Journey from Dongguan City in Guangdong to Beijing, equivalent to the distance from Los Angeles to Dallas or from Berlin to Lisbon
EVs are always taken into question about their range. These dynamic, powerful machines offer increasing utility, but manufacturers around the world are scratching their heads when it comes to their utility in long-haul trips. Efforts are focused on maximizing range to make EVs viable for long-haul logistics, where extended driving distances and heavy loads are the norm.
By developing larger battery capacities, optimizing vehicle aerodynamics, and integrating high-voltage platforms, manufacturers aim to enhance the range of EVs to meet the demands of long-distance freight. Advances in charging technology, such as megawatt-level ultra-fast chargers, are also critical, allowing vehicles to recharge quickly and efficiently. These efforts are essential for ensuring that EVs can replace traditional diesel trucks in long-haul operations, supporting a more sustainable future for logistics.
In a recent milestone for sustainable logistics, Windrose Technology has successfully completed a 2,253 km freight transportation journey using its electric long-haul truck, carrying goods for Decathlon China, in collaboration with Goodman Group (ASX: GMG) and BorgWarner (NYSE: BWA). This journey, one of the longest undertaken by an EV truck, underscores the potential of electric transportation in commercial freight. It also marks the world’s first operational application of megawatt-level charging infrastructure, a significant step toward decarbonizing supply chains.
From Dongguan City to Beijing
The trip began at Decathlon’s Chashan warehouse in Dongguan City, Guangdong Province, and concluded at the Yanjiao warehouse in Beijing, within Goodman Citylink’s logistics hub. Covering a distance equivalent to traveling from Los Angeles to Dallas or from Berlin to Lisbon, the truck carried a total weight of 26 tons, demonstrating the capabilities of electric trucks in heavy-duty logistics.
What makes this achievement particularly important is that the entire trip required only two charging stops, thanks to the truck’s impressive 940 km range on a single charge and the integration of cutting-edge charging technology.
Megawatt-Level Charging: A Game-Changer in EV Logistics
In conjunction with this journey, the first megawatt-level ultra-fast charging station has commenced operations at Goodman Citylink. Developed in collaboration with Goodman Group, BorgWarner, and Windrose Technology, this charging station is a significant breakthrough in the logistics industry. It offers a maximum charging power of 960 kW with dual-inlet charging capabilities, enabling rapid charging of Windrose trucks and minimizing downtime.
The successful deployment of this infrastructure is not just a technical achievement; it is a critical enabler for the widespread adoption of electric trucks in long-haul logistics. The ability to recharge large battery packs quickly and efficiently is essential for maintaining the operational viability of electric trucks, especially in demanding commercial settings.
Windrose’s Advanced Electric Truck Technology
The Windrose electric long-haul truck is designed from the ground up as a zero-emissions vehicle, with features tailored to meet the rigorous demands of long-distance freight.
It is equipped with a 729 kWh battery and operates on an 800V high-voltage platform capable of megawatt-level dual-inlet charging. These specifications allow the truck to achieve a loaded autonomous range of 670 km with a gross weight of 49 tons and over 900 km under lighter loads.
Another key feature is the truck’s aerodynamics, boasting a drag coefficient of 0.2755, which is crucial for maximizing efficiency and extending range. The integration of these advanced technologies demonstrates Windrose’s commitment to developing a next-generation electric truck that is not only environmentally sustainable but also competitive with traditional diesel trucks in terms of performance and cost.
Strategic Collaborations Driving Innovation
The success of this journey was made possible through strategic partnerships with several key players in the logistics and automotive sectors. Decathlon China, as the largest sports retailer globally, has been at the forefront of adopting innovative solutions to enhance sustainability within its supply chain.
David Wang, Vice President of Decathlon China and Logistics Zone Director for Decathlon North Asia, highlighted the significance of this collaboration, emphasizing the role of technology in driving sustainable progress.
Goodman Group, a global property management and development company, played a pivotal role in the development of the megawatt-level charging station. Kristoffer Harvey, Chief Executive Officer of Greater China at Goodman Group, expressed optimism about the impact of this infrastructure on decarbonizing supply chains and supporting innovative customers like Decathlon.
BorgWarner, a leader in developing core technologies for new energy vehicles, contributed its expertise in high-voltage systems and charging solutions. Win Liu, Vice President and General Manager of BorgWarner Drivetrain and Battery Systems China, emphasized the strategic importance of the megawatt-level supercharging station, noting its potential to accelerate the global shift toward electrification in heavy-duty transportation.
Rokin Logistics, one of China’s leading logistics providers, has been a long-term partner of Windrose, participating in the joint testing of zero-emission heavy trucks. The company’s CEO, Xingming Xiong, praised the performance of the Windrose trucks, highlighting their reliability and efficiency in long-distance, high-speed trucking operations.
Expanding the Reach of Electric Freight
In addition to the 2,253 km journey, Windrose and Decathlon China have also completed two other significant routes. The first was a 1,493 km trip between Decathlon’s Huaqiao warehouse in Kunshan, Suzhou, and the Chashan warehouse in Dongguan.
The second was a 1,242 km journey from the Yanjiao warehouse to the Huaqiao warehouse. These routes are critical arteries in China’s road freight network and further demonstrate the capabilities of Windrose’s electric trucks in real-world operations.
Wen Han, founder, chairman, and CEO of Windrose Technology, emphasized that these routes represent the backbone of China’s domestic road freight network. The successful completion of these journeys underscores the truck’s exceptional range performance and reliability, even under the challenging conditions of long-distance haulage.
The Future of Electric Long-Haul Trucking
Windrose Technology, founded in 2022 by Wen Han, a Stanford graduate and former investor at Bridgewater Associates, is at the leading end of developing next-generation electric trucks. The company’s mission is to create a zero-emissions long-haul truck that surpasses diesel trucks in both cost and quality. With production set to begin in 2024, Windrose is targeting key global markets, including China, the United States, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.
The company has already secured partnerships with major logistics players and is conducting trial tests with some of the world’s leading third-party logistics (3PL) providers, such as Kuehne Nagel, Maersk, and Kerry Logistics, as well as renowned brand owners like Decathlon, Nike, and Rittal. This strategic approach ensures that Windrose’s trucks are well-positioned to meet the diverse needs of global logistics networks.
Windrose’s team comprises seasoned professionals from top original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), with 80% of its R&D team boasting over eight years of experience in truck development. This expertise has contributed to the company’s impressive portfolio of over 240 patents, solidifying its position as a leader in electric truck innovation.
Investments and Industry Influence
Windrose has attracted significant investment from a range of prominent venture capital firms and strategic partners. Investors include Fountainvest, Yunqi Partners, GSR Ventures, Goodman Group, Hefei Venture Capital, and HSBC.
The company’s advisory board features current and former executives from major companies, including Decathlon, Starbucks, Coca-Cola, Rokin Logistics, Toys “R” Us Asia, J.B. Hunt, XPO Logistics, Li Auto, and Geely Group. This diverse network of advisors and investors provides Windrose with a strong foundation for growth and innovation.
The state of The EV Market and Where it is headed in 2023(Opens in a new browser tab)
A New Era in Sustainable Freight
The successful completion of the 2,253 km all-electric journey by Windrose’s long-haul truck carrying goods for Decathlon China is a significant achievement in the evolution of sustainable logistics. This journey, supported by the world’s first megawatt-level charging infrastructure, demonstrates the viability of electric trucks in long-haul operations, paving the way for a future where heavy-duty transportation is both efficient and environmentally friendly.
As Windrose continues to develop and deploy its innovative electric trucks, the company is poised to play a leading role in the global transition to sustainable freight. The collaboration with Decathlon China, Goodman Group, BorgWarner, and other partners underscores the importance of strategic partnerships in advancing technology and achieving ambitious sustainability goals.
Discussion about this post