Decathlon, a leading sports goods retailer, is developing an electric road tractor in collaboration with Chinese group Windrose. Dubbed the Windrose EV, the vehicle boasts several innovative technical solutions. It features unique adaptations for the European market, including a centrally located driver's seat and a single right-side entry door. The passenger area at the back of the cabin is equipped with a foldable bed, enhancing comfort for long hauls.
Powered by a 729 kWh battery, the Windrose EV can travel up to 600 kilometers on a full load (with a maximum payload of 49 tons) and is supported by an 800 V high-voltage fast charging platform. This system allows for 400 kilometers of range to be restored in just 36 minutes, thanks to dual liquid-cooled charging terminals that can handle high-power fast charging using dual guns, each capable of 600 A.
The collaboration between Decathlon and Windrose began in China, where the tractor was tested over a 1,600-kilometer route between two distribution centers. Given its declared range, the journey included stops at fast-charging stations. Windrose documented these test drives for both informational and promotional purposes, releasing a time-lapse video of one of the trips.
Following the initial testing phase in China, Decathlon has announced a new series of trials scheduled for the end of this year in France and the Benelux region. There is a real possibility that these tractors will be used in Europe, where a dual-axle system will be necessary to meet EU maneuverability standards.
The development of this new vehicle is closely aligned with Decathlon's Zero Emission policy, which aims to reduce global carbon emissions by 20% by 2026 compared to levels recorded in 2021. This initiative highlights Decathlon's commitment to sustainability and innovation in logistics.
Marco Martinelli
