Windrose to build electric truck assembly plant in Antwerp
Chinese electric truck manufacturer Windrose will build an assembly plant in the Port of Antwerp, the company announced on Thursday at the Port Authority. The project will involve assembling electric trucks in Belgium using components shipped from China, alongside the establishment of a research and development unit.
“This will be a true success story for our port,” said Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO of Port of Antwerp-Bruges.
Windrose had previously explored plans to build a factory in northern France, raising doubts over whether Antwerp would secure the investment. The decision now confirms the port’s role as Windrose’s European production and development base.
The announcement follows the completion of the European homologation process for Windrose’s electric truck. At the end of last year, the manufacturer received full EU type approval, including 43 required certificates, allowing the vehicle to operate on public roads across Europe. Homologation confirms that a vehicle meets all applicable technical, safety and environmental standards under European law.
“Over the past 44 months, I've often been told we'd never be homologated due to our unique design,” Windrose CEO Han said at the time.
Windrose focuses on long-distance freight transport. According to the company, its electric truck, including trailer and with a fully charged battery, has a range of up to 670 kilometres, a distance comparable to that between Antwerp and Bern. This range is intended to align with European driving and rest-time regulations for professional drivers.
The company also aims to position itself competitively on price. A Windrose electric truck is expected to cost around 250,000 euros, significantly less than comparable models currently on the European market.
#FlandersNewsService | © PHOTO STR / AFP and BELGA VIDEO ROBBE VANDEGEHUCHTE
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