Windrose, a Tesla Semi Rival, Faces Scrutiny Over Missing Paychecks and Truck

Key Takeaways

• Windrose, an electric truck startup, is facing scrutiny over missing paychecks and a truck that hasn’t turned up.
• The company has delivered dozens of electric trucks, but some staff claim they went unpaid.
• A US judge ordered the company to pay one executive $413,000 in full.
• Windrose relies on contract manufacturers and local assemblers.
• The company aims to establish itself as a serious player in the electric-truck race.

What’s Happening at Windrose?

Windrose, a Chinese-owned electric truck startup, is facing scrutiny after reports of missing paychecks and a truck that hasn’t turned up. The company has delivered dozens of electric trucks, but some staff claim they went unpaid.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the company’s founder and chief executive, Wen Han, reportedly lost track of one of the company’s trucks earlier this year.

Unpaid Wages

Travis Waite and Harold Keller, two former employees fired in January, allegedly refused to help Han locate the truck until they received $91,000 in unpaid wages and benefits. They say that as of July, they still hadn’t been paid, and the truck had yet to turn up.

Han contends the sum Waite and Keller claim they’re owed is “unfounded.”

Windrose’s Business Model

Windrose relies on contract manufacturers in China to build its trucks, before they’re shipped to regional partners for local assembly. The company says its trucks deliver roughly double the driving range of equivalent electric big rigs from Volvo and Daimler, all while costing significantly less.

Expansion Plans

Windrose aims to establish itself as a serious player in the electric-truck race, building a hauler to rival the Tesla Semi. The firm has locked in orders from buyers in Norway, Chile, and Australia.

Challenges Ahead

As the company has grown, Han reportedly sponsored a basketball team near its Belgian headquarters, pledged $15 million to Stanford University once Windrose goes public, and said the firm has facilities in California and Georgia ready to start local assembly. However, employees’ paychecks have allegedly been frequently delayed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Windrose?

Windrose is a Chinese-owned electric truck startup that aims to establish itself as a serious player in the electric-truck race.

Q: What is the issue with Windrose’s paychecks?

Some staff claim they went unpaid, and a US judge ordered the company to pay one executive $413,000 in full.

Q: What is Windrose’s business model?

Windrose relies on contract manufacturers in China to build its trucks, before they’re shipped to regional partners for local assembly.