DeepWay Electric Semi Truck Named 'Evie' in New Zealand
Foodstuffs North Island Limited has officially named its Chinese-built DeepWay Star electric semi truck following a competition held at Russell Street School in Palmerston North. The winning entry, 'Evie,' was submitted by a second-grade student named Madison. The name was selected from a pool of suggestions that included Buzzy Bee, Lightning, and Bolt.
The naming ceremony featured Madison alongside her classmates, Palmerston North Mayor Grant Smith, local MP Tangi Utikeri, and representatives from Foodstuffs and local grocery chains, including PAK’nSAVE, New World, and Four Square. Yang Zhang, the General Manager of Supply Chain for Foodstuffs North Island, noted that the initiative was designed to engage the community while giving the electric vehicle a distinct identity as it delivers groceries across the lower North Island.
Since beginning operations earlier this year, the truck has covered nearly 45,000 kilometers. The company reports that the vehicle has prevented over 81,000 kg of carbon emissions, a figure they equate to removing 35 internal combustion engine vehicles from the road for one year.
The DeepWay Star features a 600 kWh CATL-built LFP battery pack, providing a range exceeding 500 kilometers. The system supports dual-port charging, which allows for a charge time of approximately 30 minutes. Alternatively, the vehicle is compatible with battery-swap stations, enabling a full battery replacement in six minutes. The electric motors generate 491 kW of power and 75,000 Nm of torque, supporting a gross vehicle weight rating of 50 tons.
For logistics operators and fleet managers, the successful deployment of this heavy-duty electric vehicle in New Zealand demonstrates the practical viability of battery-swapping and rapid-charging infrastructure for long-haul grocery distribution. Watching how these performance metrics hold up over extended operational periods will be critical for those evaluating the transition from traditional diesel fleets to electric alternatives.
Why it matters
The deployment and naming of the DeepWay electric truck highlight the growing adoption of heavy-duty electric vehicles in commercial logistics and the importance of infrastructure like battery-swapping stations for operational efficiency.
FAQ
What is the range of the DeepWay Star?
The truck offers a range of more than 500 kilometers.
How long does it take to swap the batteries?
The batteries can be swapped for fresh ones in six minutes at specialized battery-swap stations.
What is the power output of the truck?
The electric motors produce 491 kW of power and 75,000 Nm of torque.
Source: Electrek. See the original source for full details.
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