BlackRock, Daimler & NextEra: Growing Truck Electrification
The growth of electric trucking (ET) hinges on reliable charging networks to accommodate large vehicles.
Addressing this infrastructure need along one of America's busiest freight corridors is Greenlane, a public charging infrastructure developer and operator.
Greenlane, a US$675m collaboration between BlackRock, Daimler Truck and NextEra Energy, is constructing its second commercial EV charging route.
This corridor will connect Southern California to Phoenix via Interstate 10.
Enhancing ET infrastructure
The development of this corridor is supported by Greenlane's strategic alliance with Windrose Technology, an ET original equipment manufacturer (OEM).
Windrose has demonstrated the practicality of long-haul ET through successful single-charge journeys between Colton, California and Phoenix, Arizona.
Windrose aims to manufacture 2,000 ETs in 2026 and increase production to 10,000 units by 2027, paving the way for a new era in freight transportation, supported by Greenlane's expanding public charging infrastructure.
"Our second corridor was strategically selected to best support the carriers and shippers who keep our economy moving,” says Patrick Macdonald-King, CEO of Greenlane.
“Windrose's remarkable achievements during testing demonstrate that our high-performance charging network can handle the most demanding freight operations, giving us confidence that this I-10 corridor will serve as a critical backbone for zero-emission freight.
“By establishing charging infrastructure along key transportation arteries, we're providing the foundation fleets need to scale their electric operations.”
The corridor is part of Greenlane's broader plan to create a nationwide commercial EV charging network for medium and heavy-duty vehicles, including newly opened and upcoming sites in Blythe, California and Greater Phoenix, Arizona.
Testing the limits of electric freight
Windrose's R700 Class 8 electric semi successfully journeyed on a single charge from Greenlane's Colton facility to Buckeye, Arizona and Las Vegas, illustrating its capacity for demanding long-haul freight operations with a total combined weight rating (GCWR) of 74,420lbs (33,756Kg).
This nearly 300-mile haul with near-maximum payload showcases the potential of ET.
Interoperability testing at Colton confirmed the effectiveness of Windrose R700 Class 8 ETs, which achieved a peak charge rate of 772 kW using dual-gun charging technology.
"Achieving nearly 300 miles with a GCWR of 74,420lbs (33,756Kg) on a single charge with 12% battery left proves that electric long-haul trucking isn’t just theory, it’s proven real-world performance,” says Wen Han, Founder and CEO of Windrose Technology.
“This is what happens when innovative vehicle platforms meet world-class charging infrastructure.
“Our next step is to prove diesel parity in the United States, Europe, Oceania and South America, as we have already proven in China.”
Windrose's strategic partnership with Greenlane marks a significant development, with Colton's flagship center becoming the base for operations and scaling ET projects along key freight corridors.
Growth and partnerships in electric transport
Nevoya, a new-generation ET carrier, is among the first to utilise these routes.
This carrier aids shippers and third-party logistics operators in transitioning to electric transport by utilizing Greenlane's infrastructure.
"Greenlane's I-10 charging network creates the infrastructure breakthrough that electric trucking needs and Nevoya is positioned to capitalise on it," says John Verdon, Chief Commercial Officer at Nevoya.
“As we launch operations on the I-10, this partnership allows us to demonstrate that long-haul electric trucking is not just possible, it’s practical, scalable and the future of freight.”
The flagship charging centre in Colton, California, which opened in April 2025, is equipped with more than 40 high-speed chargers for medium and heavy-duty EVs, along with essential amenities for drivers.
