Electric vehicle, EV, New trucks, News

Chinese electric truck embarks on Melbourne to Sydney test drive

A Chinese electric long haul truck has undertaken a test run up the Hume Highway from Melbourne to Sydney over the weekend, where its manufacturer claims to have broken a record.

Windrose Technologies is an electric long haul truck start-up which plans to soon begin commercial production of its flagship model, which has undergone on-road testing in China, Europe, the United States of America and now Australia.

Featuring a 729kWh battery and an 800V high-voltage dual-inlet charging platform capable of charging at mega-watt level, Windrose claims its long haul electric truck can achieve a 670-kilometre range, when loaded at up to 49 tonne.

The truck has been given special dispensation to travel on Australian roads.

The truck made an appearance at the All Energy Australia Conference in Melbourne on October 23 and 24, before embarking on its trip to Sydney on Sunday for another series of demonstrations.

According to head of strategic partnerships for Windrose, Charles Yu, the 501-kWh charging session that took place over the weekend at an Evie Networks charging station at Sutton Forrest in NSW could be a record in Australia.

He shared a photo on LinkedIn showing it took two and a half hours for the truck’s battery to reach a 97 per cent charge, which he believes could be a record.

Timed to coincide with the unveiling of the truck at All Energy Australia, founder, chairman, and CEO of Windrose Technology, Wen Han, revealed that Windrose Technology and Mondo had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to work together across the Australian market to accelerate the uptake of long-haul and heavy electric trucks.

In Australia, Windrose has signed a MOU with Mondo. Image: Mondo

“Windrose’s revolutionary 670km long-range electric truck and Mondo’s experience as an expert provider of large-scale charging infrastructure means our work together is complementary and symbiotic,” said Han.

Also commenting on the MOU, head of new energy markets at Mondo, Gavin Lewis, said: “Australian commercial vehicle transport and logistics operators are mutual customers of Windrose and Mondo. We believe we will create real and sustainable value by working collaboratively together in engaging the market.”

Founder and CEO of Windrose Technology, Wen Han. Image: Wen Han

Prior to being displayed at the All Energy Australia Conference, Mondo says the Windrose truck also underwent a successful test charge on Sinexcel 480kW charging system, supported by Go EV at Mondo’s Yarraville site.

Following testing of its trucks across the globe, the brand is beginning commercial production.

Windrose says it has been at “a mass production ready status” and is about to begin producing its flagship electric trucks in China, which will be “delivered to key customers” before the end of the year.

The company has also announced it will be building its European base at Antwerp, Belgium, complete with a “R&D and industrialisation centre” which will be used to ensure the trucks meet the standards of the European market.

Windrose also announced last week that it will move its corporate structure to Europe, with its headquarters to be based in Belgium.

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