Windrose has lost most of its employees in China. It is facing problems in the U.S. It wants to focus on Europe. Is this an opportunity for us?
Windrose is a Chinese manufacturer of electric tractor-trailers. It is known worldwide for using mimicry to resemble the Tesla Semi. In Poland, it gained some recognition thanks to the use of license plates issued there, which allowed the vehicle to be tested in practically all countries that comply with UNECE regulations. But now Windrose is facing difficulties — difficulties that could be an opportunity for us.
Windrose. Could Europe attract those who failed in China?
Windrose will be exhibiting at the IAA Mobility 2026 trade show, but rumors have been circulating since July, and it is now certain as of early September that the company is facing financial difficulties. According to a Wall Street Journal report, the firm has lost most of its roughly hundred employees from its main factory in China. Under a previous agreement, Windrose was supposed to pay back unpaid salaries by August 30 — and this apparently did not happen (source). The result is a shortage of workers capable of assembling more trucks.
Windrose’s headquarters is theoretically in Antwerp. The company’s founder is also a Belgian, naturally (in the image above), Wen Han (c) Windrose
Due to serious problems in China (where most employees are leaving) and significant issues in the United States (two former employees who didn’t receive their salaries, one of whom is using a tractor as collateral and refusing to reveal its location), Windrose announced that it is focusing on Europe, with the operations center moving back to its original headquarters in Antwerp, Belgium. On the Old Continent, a tractor assembly plant, a logistics center for storing parts, and a research and development center are set to be established.
A Windrose tractor against the backdrop of the Antwerp Port Authority Building. The port is currently the second largest in Europe in terms of goods handled.
A close-up of a tractor in Antwerp. Note the vehicle’s license plate (c) Windrose
An additional headquarters is reportedly set to be established in the United Kingdom (source). Just two years ago, the U.S. was considered—a plan that, as shown above, did not fully succeed. Now Europe is the focus.
But here’s an interesting fact: the company has followed Tesla’s lead by releasing the design schematics for its tractor. This reveals that, unlike the vast majority of tractors built around a frame with suspended batteries, Windrose uses structural batteries to reinforce the tractor’s design. These can be charged simultaneously using two CCS2 ports, each with a capacity of 1 C. Additionally, each axle is equipped with two motors, giving a total maximum power of 780 kW/1,061 HP for all four.
It seems — this is the opinion of Elektrowozu’s editorial team — that this represents an opportunity for the Old Continent. Those who can’t compete in China might find a safe haven here. They will provide expertise and supply chains, and the rest will gradually fall into place. As a result, this “culling of manufacturers” taking place in the Middle Kingdom could give us technologies that even German manufacturers don’t have. In fact, we have a wide range of choices, something the Chinese government seems to be aware of — which is why it’s even reviving dead brands like Aiways, Zotye, and WM Motor (Weltmeister).
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