infrastructure
DeepWay's 'Evie' Electric Semi Hits 45,000 km in New Zealand
New Zealand's Foodstuffs North Island has named its DeepWay Star electric semi 'Evie' after a school naming contest. The 600 kWh CATL-powered truck has logged nearly 45,000 km and avoided 81,000 kg of CO2 emissions.
Foodstuffs North Island Limited has officially named its DeepWay Star electric semi-truck "Evie," following a naming competition held with students at Russell Street School in Palmerston North, New Zealand. The vehicle, a Chinese-built 6×4 electric tractor unit developed by Baidu and Lionbridge, began delivering chilled and frozen groceries across New Zealand's lower North Island earlier in 2026.
Performance on the Road
In its first few months of operation, Evie has traveled nearly 45,000 kilometers (~28,000 miles) and avoided more than 81,000 kg of harmful carbon emissions, which the company claims is roughly equivalent to taking 35 internal combustion engine cars off the road for a full year.
Technical Specifications
- Battery: 600 kWh CATL-built LFP battery packs, capable of dual-port simultaneous charging
- Range: More than 500 km (~310 miles) on a full charge
- Charging Time: Approximately 30 minutes for a full charge; battery-swap option available in ~6 minutes at specialized stations
- Power Output: 491 kW (~660 hp)
- Torque: 75,000 Nm (~55,000 lb-ft)
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 50 tons (100,000 lbs)
Why This Matters for North America
The successful deployment of a Chinese-built heavy-duty electric truck in New Zealand's commercial fleet operations provides real-world data on the viability of long-haul electric freight in temperate climates. For Canadian and North American fleet operators, the DeepWay Star's proven range and rapid charging capability serve as a benchmark for the next generation of electric commercial vehicles entering the market. The integration of CATL's LFP battery technology with dual-port fast charging infrastructure highlights the direction of heavy-duty EV development, where range and uptime are prioritized over peak power.
Looking for EV deals, insurance, or financing? Check out our partner deals and offers.
If you found this guide helpful, use our Tesla referral link for free Supercharging credits on a new Tesla purchase or lease in Canada.
Next story · swipe left
Next story
EVgo Opens First Supercharger Station in Downtown Chicago, Expanding North American Network
3 min read
EVgo has launched its first major Supercharger station near downtown Chicago, adding high-power DC fast charging to the city's growing EV infrastructure. This move signals a new era for public charging in North America.
The Charge Brief
Get Canada’s EV transition in your inbox
One email a day. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
