Windrose Technology continues to make waves in the battery-electric Class 8 semi truck market.
The Chinese-owned and headquartered manufacturer has confirmed it delivered the first batch of the Windrose R700 semi to Kerry Logistics Network (KLN), an Asian-based global logistics provider. The exact number of semis delivered was not provided.
What's astonishing about this achievement is that Windrose was founded less than three years ago, meaning the R700 went from its initial design phase to production in only 34 months. I
In the U.S., Windrose has already successfully completed testing on routes from New York to Los Angeles and to San Francisco. Another test from New York to Savannah, Georgia is planned.
[Related: Check out the Windrose inside and out; the Tesla Semi's best competitor?]
Meanwhile, one of its archrivals, the Tesla Semi, continues to undergo final testing by the OEM itself along with major corporations, including PepsiCo and DHL. It has yet to be released to the greater market.
[Related: 'DHL declares: Tesla Semi is ready for prime time']
As for KLN, it intends to use its new EV trucks on a 620-mile (1,000 km) stretch between Shanghai and Beijing, and other similar distance routes.
The Windrose R700 is equipped with a 729 kWh battery, an 800V high-voltage platform capable of megawatt-level dual-inlet charging, a drag coefficient of 0.2755, and an impressive loaded autonomous range of 670 km (416 miles) with a gross weight of 49 tons (98,000 lbs.).
The upcoming Tesla Semi, to compare, is expected to be offered with two battery size options (500 kWh and 800 kWh), a drag coefficient of 0.35 to 0.36, a 1,000V powertrain charging system, a maximum 500-mile range, and a gross weight of 82,000 lbs. Tesla has not announced final specs nor pricing.
[Related: China's Windrose could be Tesla Semi's biggest rival]
Windrose previously confirmed the R700 is a global vehicle and production facility locations will reflect that; a U.S. factory will supposedly begin construction in the near future though details such as location have yet to be confirmed. The state of Georgia has previously been rumored. The company is targeting a base price of around $250,000.
