In November 2017, Tesla CEO Elon Musk unveiled the prototype of the Semi truck, which featured electric drive, an aerodynamic cabin, a central seat for the driver, and technological gadgets. Large companies like UPS and PepsiCo placed significant orders for the trucks, with UPS ordering 125 and PepsiCo ordering 100. However, as of 6.5 years later, only 36 trucks had been delivered to PepsiCo, with zero deliveries to UPS.
On the other hand, the Chinese company Windrose, established in 2022, has been making rapid progress. The Windrose truck has undergone test drives in the Netherlands and France, and even signed a sponsorship deal with the Giants in Antwerp. CEO Wen Han has ambitious plans to establish a European headquarters and workshop in Belgium, with the aim of producing 10,000 trucks per year by 2027, creating 3,000 jobs in the Antwerp port area.
Windrose’s plans stand in contrast to the trend in Belgium, where many car factories have closed in recent years. However, the company’s innovative truck design, with a driving range of 600 kilometers, seems promising. While Windrose faces challenges in complying with European regulations and building trust among transport companies, its competitive pricing and high-tech features could help it gain a foothold in the market.
Electric trucks currently account for about 3% of the Belgian fleet, comparable to electric cars. Companies like AB Inbev have been using electric trucks for years, and other manufacturers like Volvo, MAN, Scania, and Mercedes-Benz are also investing in electric truck production. The industry is moving towards cleaner, more sustainable transportation solutions, with the potential for growth in the electric truck market.