Electric Trucks: A Chinese Start-up Plans to Launch in France

According to a report by Les Échos on Wednesday, the 15th, Windrose Technology, a Chinese startup, is advancing its project to build an electric truck factory near Valenciennes, France. The company aims to challenge industry giants, backed by a €175 million investment.

The Les Échos article notes that around a year ago, during the "Choose France" summit held in May 2025, this relatively unknown European player announced plans to establish a European assembly plant near Valenciennes for producing its next-generation 100% electric truck. The vehicle is expected to be priced at approximately €250,000, with an official range exceeding 610 kilometers. Prior to this, the company had conducted durability tests with several renowned logistics firms—including XPO, Alainé, and Ceva Logistics—and completed long-distance trials across Scandinavia.

The project, estimated to require €175 million in investment (the exact subsidy amount remains undisclosed), is scheduled to begin production in 2027, with a workforce of around 300 employees. This undoubtedly sends a warning signal to Europe’s “Big Seven” heavy-duty truck manufacturers—Volvo, Mercedes, MAN, Renault Trucks, Scania, among others—who have long relied on diesel technology and are only now beginning small-scale launches of battery-powered models, which remain significantly more expensive than their conventional counterparts.

"The Development Process Makes Sense"

Despite widespread skepticism from outside observers regarding this startup preparing to establish operations in northern France’s Hauts-de-France region, progress appears to be on track. According to a source familiar with the matter, speaking to Les Échos: "Overall, the project is progressing as planned and follows a logical development path." Recent milestones have further strengthened the company’s credibility. Founded by Wen Han, who studied and launched his career in California, the company has demonstrated solid momentum.

The most significant step so far was undoubtedly the Global E700 truck quietly securing European certification earlier this year, completing the entire process in just 18 months—remarkable given the vehicle's highly futuristic design, which diverges sharply from traditional European tractor units.

The truck features an elongated, forward-tilted cab to improve aerodynamics, with the driver’s seat positioned centrally, minimalist headlights, and high-mounted cameras replacing conventional side mirrors. Its overall appearance strongly evokes Tesla’s much-publicized electric truck, the Semi—almost like a direct copy. However, this model will launch earlier in Europe. Clearly, it also benefits from new EU regulations recently allowing “alternative designs.”

This crucial “passport” enables Windrose to operate its vehicles across the entire European road network, allowing it to import initial batches from China while simultaneously launching pre-sales. It will also enhance the company’s appeal in capital markets—having already completed multiple funding rounds over the past three years—and plans simultaneous expansion into both the Chinese and U.S. markets.

Securing Local Government Approval

In the Hauts-de-France region, the project has also made notable progress: according to reliable sources, Windrose secured building permits and industrial facility approvals through a regional government decree by the end of March this year.

Currently, construction has not yet begun on the agricultural land in Hainaut, nor has local hiring commenced—this is normal, as a four-month statutory review period began after the end of March to address potential legal challenges.

The proposed truck factory site spans 94,800 square meters, located near Aulnoye, adjacent to the Toyota manufacturing plant (which has been operational since 1998, producing the Yaris), but situated on the opposite side of the A2 highway leading toward Belgium.

At present, the project is being driven by developer and project owner PRD, with future financing to be provided by yet-to-be-identified investment partners. These investors will become the owners of the industrial facility and lease it to Windrose for use.

In the early stages of production, the emerging manufacturer will begin small-scale manufacturing at a compact facility near its European headquarters in Antwerp, Belgium. Later (in 2027 or thereafter), production will shift to the Valenciennes-Aulnoye plant, where components—including critical batteries—will be shipped from China via inland waterways.

Finally, Les Échos reminds readers that one key question remains unresolved: can Windrose Technology, the disruptive newcomer entering the European truck market, qualify for European subsidies and various tax incentives despite its reliance on Asian-sourced major components?

Source: rfi

Original: toutiao.com/article/1862546820838400/

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