Blackrock, Daimler & NextEra: Powering Low Carbon EV Freight

Electric trucking (ET) continues to grow as freight operators seek cleaner transport solutions, yet the challenge remains in creating reliable and accessible charging infrastructure for large vehicles.

Meeting this demand is Greenlane, a public charging infrastructure developer and operator aiming to make zero emission long-haul freight viable on a national scale.

Greenlane is a US$675m joint venture between BlackRock, Daimler Truck and NextEra Energy.

The business has established its second commercial EV charging corridor, linking Southern California to Phoenix via Interstate 10 (I-10).

This development addresses one of the busiest freight routes in the US and strengthens infrastructure for medium and heavy-duty EV fleets.

Expanding the network for sustainable freight

The new corridor coincides with a strategic partnership between Greenlane and Windrose Technology, an ET original equipment manufacturer (OEM).

Windrose has already demonstrated the potential of long-haul ET with successful single-charge runs from Greenlane’s Colton site in California’s Inland Empire to Phoenix, Arizona.

Windrose plans to manufacture 2,000 ETs in 2026 and increase production to 10,000 in 2027.

These vehicles are expected to rely on Greenlane’s growing public charging network.

"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 will run from the recently opened Greenlane Center in Colton through Blythe, California and into the Greater Phoenix area.

It is part of a wider plan to create a nationwide network for commercial EV charging.

Proving performance in heavy-duty electric haulage

Windrose’s R700 Class 8 electric semi has completed single-charge trips from Colton to Buckeye, near Phoenix and to Las Vegas along the I-15 corridor.

Each haul carried a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 74,420 lbs (33,756 kg), demonstrating that near-maximum payloads are achievable over nearly 300 miles on one charge.

These journeys follow interoperability testing at Colton, where the R700 achieved a peak charge rate of 772 kW through its dual-gun charging system.

High charging speeds allow quick turnaround, which is essential for commercial freight operations.

"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.”

Under the partnership, Windrose will operate from the Colton flagship centre, powering its R700 ET and other vehicles for pilot customers along both the I-10 and I-15 freight corridors.

One early adopter is Nevoya, a next-generation ET carrier helping shippers and logistics providers transition to electric transport.

Nevoya plans to operate battery-powered ETs along both corridors, with Colton as a base for charging and driver amenities.

"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.”

Investment in sustainable transport infrastructure

Greenlane’s Colton flagship, opened in April 2025, includes more than 40 high-speed chargers, 12 pull-through bays, 29 bobtail lanes for medium and heavy-duty EVs, plus driver facilities such as restrooms, Wi-Fi, 24/7 security, carports, parking and office space.

BlackRock plays a key role in funding and monitoring the EV sector through its iShares funds, which give investors access to companies in EVs, battery technology and autonomous driving.

These include the iShares Self-Driving EV and Tech ETF (IDRV) and the iShares Electric Vehicles and Driving Technology UCITS ETF, which cover developed and emerging markets across the EV value chain.

The investment firm also runs the Sustainable Energy Fund, targeting global companies in renewable energy, alternative fuels, energy efficiency and supporting infrastructure, while excluding those involved in coal, oil and gas.