BlackRock, Daimler & NextEra: Expanding EV Truck Charging

Electric trucking (ET) is on the rise, but to meet demands, charging infrastructures need to be established and accessible for these large vehicles.

Aiming to address the gap in ET infrastructure along one of the US’ busiest freight highways is public charging infrastructure developer and operator, Greenlane.

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

It is establishing its second commercial EV charging corridor connecting Southern California to Phoenix via Interstate 10.

Supporting EV expansion

The corridor expansion is also supported by a new strategic partnership with Windrose Technology, an ET original equipment manufacturer (OEM), which has validated the viability of long-haul ET through successful single-charge journeys from Colton, next to San Bernardino in the Inland Empire, to Phoenix. 

Windrose is planning to manufacture 2,000 ETs in 2026 and scale up to 10,000 in 2027 globally, hoping to unlock a new era of freight movement which is set to be powered by Greenlane’s expanding 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 is one of many planned routes as the company works to develop a nationwide network of commercial EV charging for medium and heavy-duty fleets.

The second corridor includes the recently opened flagship Greenlane Center in Colton, next to San Bernardino in the Inland Empire, as well as new sites to be developed in Blythe, California and Greater Phoenix, Arizona.

Electric freights in Phoenix

Windrose's R700 Class 8 electric semi successfully completed single-charge journeys from Greenlane's Colton location to both Buckeye, AZ, near Phoenix (I-10 corridor) and Las Vegas (I-15 corridor), this results in a total combined weight rating (GCWR) of 74,420lbs (33,756Kg). 

The route represents a nearly 300-mile journey with near-maximum payload that demonstrates the capability of ET when it comes to demanding long-haul freight operations. 

The single-charge hauls follow the successful interoperability testing at the Colton site. 

This testing procedure consists of Windrose R700 Class 8 ETs achieving a peak charge rate of 772kW, with its dual-gun charging technology.

A successful testing further proves Greenlane's ability to support quick turnaround times essential for 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 a new strategic partnership, Windrose is set to utilise Greenlane’s flagship centre in Colton as its base of operations.

The partnership will see several vehicles, including its R700 ET, being powered for pilot customers along the I-15 and I-10 freight corridors.

The future of freight

One of the first customers on these routes will be Nevoya, a next-generation ET carrier.

This next-gen carrier aims to help shippers as well as third-part logistics carriers transition to electric transport. 

Nevoya is aiming to operate battery-ETs on both the I-15 and I-10 corridors, with the Greenlane Center in Colton serving as a base for charging and driver support. 

"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.”

In April 2025, Greenlane opened its first flagship charging center in Colton, California, featuring:

• More than 40 high-speed chargers, including 12 pull-through and 29 bobtail lanes for medium- and heavy-duty EVs 
• Amenities such as restrooms and WiFi, carports and 24/7 security
• Extra offerings like office space and parking.

How BlackRock is monitoring EVs

BlackRock’s iShares range offers investors multiple ways to gain exposure to the EV and autonomous driving sectors through funds such as the iShares Self-Driving EV and Tech ETF (IDRV) and the iShares Electric Vehicles and Driving Technology UCITS ETF. 

These provide access to companies leading innovation in EVs, battery technology and self-driving systems, spanning developed and emerging markets across the full value chain.

The ETFs aim for long-term growth by investing in businesses shaping the future of mobility and energy. 

BlackRock also has the Sustainable Energy Fund that targets global companies in renewable energy, alternative fuels, energy efficiency and supporting infrastructure, while excluding those involved in coal, oil and gas exploration or integrated oil operations. 

By focusing on sustainable technologies and future mobility solutions, these funds offer diversified, sector-wide exposure aligned with the global energy transition.