Greenlane Expands Electric Truck Charging Network Across Key US Freight Routes
Greenlane has officially unveiled its second significant electric truck charging corridor, establishing a vital link between Southern California and Phoenix along Interstate 10. This strategic expansion is a concerted effort to address the pressing need for robust electric vehicle infrastructure within the long-haul freight sector, particularly on one of the United States' busiest transportation arteries. The successful deployment of this corridor underscores a pivotal advancement in making electrified commercial transport a widespread reality, overcoming previous limitations in range and charging accessibility for heavy-duty electric trucks. This development signals a transformative shift in logistics, promoting sustainable practices and operational efficiency in the movement of goods across vast distances.
This pioneering electric truck corridor benefits from a strong collaborative alliance with Windrose Technology, an innovator in electric truck manufacturing. Windrose Technology’s R700 Class 8 electric semi-truck has already demonstrated the route’s operational feasibility, executing non-stop journeys from Greenlane’s flagship facility in Colton, California, to Phoenix. These trips, spanning nearly 300 miles, were completed with a gross combined weight of over 74,000 pounds, with the vehicles retaining a significant portion of their battery capacity upon arrival. Such performance is a testament to the advancements in electric vehicle technology for heavy-duty applications, directly addressing concerns regarding range anxiety and payload capacity that have historically challenged the electrification of long-haul freight.
Beyond impressive range, the Windrose R700 trucks showcase exceptional charging speed. During trials at the Colton facility, the R700 achieved a peak charging rate of 772 kW using a dual-gun charging system, drastically reducing downtime for commercial operations. This rapid charging capability is critical for maintaining tight delivery schedules in the logistics industry. Encouraged by these successes, Windrose Technology has ambitious plans for scaling production, aiming to build 2,000 electric trucks globally in the coming year, with a projected increase to 10,000 units the following year. Wen Han, the founder and CEO of Windrose, emphasized that these achievements prove electric long-haul trucking is not merely a theoretical concept but a viable and high-performing real-world solution.
The newly inaugurated I-10 corridor will integrate Greenlane’s central hub in Colton with new charging points located in Blythe, California, and the Greater Phoenix area in Arizona. This expansion is a key component of Greenlane’s broader vision to establish a comprehensive public charging network for medium- and heavy-duty fleets nationwide. Furthermore, Nevoya, an electric trucking carrier, is set to be one of the initial clients to leverage this new corridor, utilizing the Colton site as a crucial base for both charging and driver support while operating battery-electric trucks across both the I-10 and I-15 routes. The Colton facility, which commenced operations in April, is equipped with more than 40 high-speed chargers, including 12 pull-through bays specifically designed for semi-trucks and 29 bobtail lanes. The site also offers essential amenities such as restrooms, Wi-Fi, round-the-clock security, carports, office space, and parking, catering to the comprehensive needs of long-haul drivers.
This strategic expansion marks a significant step towards a more sustainable and efficient future for the trucking industry. The establishment of dedicated electric vehicle corridors, supported by high-capacity charging infrastructure and advanced electric truck technology, is critical for accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels in heavy-duty transport. As more such corridors become operational and electric truck production scales up, the environmental benefits and operational efficiencies for logistics companies will become increasingly evident, paving the way for a greener and more resilient supply chain ecosystem.