Chinese Electric Truck Beats Tesla to Europe: Windrose E700 Review

March 17, 2026, 11:30 PM
Redacţia PiataAuto.md

More than three years after its initial unveiling on December 1, 2022, Tesla’s electric Semi truck has yet to enter full-scale production. Even as the company held a delivery event showcasing the vehicle and its first major customer, PepsiCo, production remains limited to a tiny number of units for internal use and testing with potential clients. This slow rollout contrasts sharply with the progress made by Chinese manufacturer Windrose, whose competing E700 model is now being launched in Europe.

The Windrose E700, which has faced accusations of mirroring the Tesla Semi’s design, is now entering the European market, even preceding Tesla’s arrival. The companies attribute the similar aesthetics to the demands of aerodynamic efficiency, with the Windrose truck boasting a drag coefficient of just 0.2755, comparable to that of an SUV.

However, the Windrose E700 offers features absent in the Tesla Semi, notably an integrated sleeper berth for drivers, designed to improve practicality for long-haul operations.

The Chinese truck is equipped with a 700 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, known for its durability and extended cycle life. Windrose provides a 1,000,000 km warranty on the battery, with projections suggesting a potential lifespan of up to 2,500,000 km.

With a range of 670 km (approximately 416 miles), the Windrose E700 meets the maximum legal driving time in Europe. A 35-minute charging stop during the mandatory 45-minute break can add an additional 400 km of range, potentially enabling a daily coverage of over 1,070 km.

The truck features a dual-motor rear-wheel drive system delivering a maximum power output of 1,400 horsepower, exceeding the Tesla Semi’s specifications. It is likewise capable of climbing a 25% grade fully loaded.

The driver’s position is centrally located, similar to the Tesla Semi, intended to enhance visibility, though primarily dictated by aerodynamic considerations. The vehicle also includes a massaging seat for driver comfort.

Notably, the Windrose E700 utilizes a steer-by-wire system, eliminating a mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the wheels and applies the same principle to the braking system.

The truck is equipped with dual charging ports, allowing simultaneous connection to two CCS European charging stations, enabling a combined intake of 750 kW – exceeding the typical 600 kW limit of the CCS interface.

Some models can be equipped with MCS ports, supporting megawatt-level charging capabilities, though the availability of such infrastructure remains limited.

The video below features an interview with Wen Han, the founder of Windrose, who is a graduate of Stanford University.

Han revealed that the Windrose E700 will be assembled in Europe from complete knock-down (CKD) kits imported from China, a strategy already employed in the United States to avoid high import tariffs. The company claims to have already reached 24 countries worldwide. While Tesla initially generated significant buzz around the Semi, Windrose has moved forward with production and sales of a comparable electric truck globally.

See the full report in the video below.