Chinese Manufacturer to Build Electric Semis in US
According to Electrek, the Chinese company Windrose has announced plans to produce its electric semi-trucks in the United States. This move is seen as a direct response to Tesla’s production of their electric semi.
One of the company’s electric trucks was shown off at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo earlier this year. The all-electric Class 8 truck features is capable of a 600 km range (about 373 miles) on a single charge with a full maximum load. The truck’s design and interior looks similar to Tesla semi, causing some critics to call it a “Tesla clone.” One interesting detail about the Windrose electric semi is that instead of exterior side mirrors, it aims to use cameras and interior tablets.
Windrose’s decision to manufacture in the U.S. aims to meet the growing interest for electric trucks and also navigate the complex trade dynamics between the U.S. and China. By producing vehicles in the states, Windrose can avoid some of the tariffs and trade barriers that have hindered other Chinese automotive exports. The company is expected to produce their electric semis at the planned plant in Georgia and is likely to have significant implications for the American automotive industry, particularly in terms of job creation and supply chain development.
As the company gears up to start production, all eyes will be on Windrose to see how it navigates the challenges of establishing a manufacturing presence in the U.S. and how its electric semi-trucks will be received in a highly competitive market. It will also be interesting to see how Tesla responds the the challenge of another EV manufacturer.
Read more electric semi stories on The Mighty Trucker:
WATCH: Tesla Semi Outpaces Diesel Truck on Donner Pass Climb
REPORT: Tesla’s Electric Semis Put to the Test — How Do They Really Perform?
Hot or Not? Truckers Weigh In On Tesla Semis
