Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the financial health of Chinese electric truck manufacturer Windrose Technology, following allegations from a former employee that the company is unable to pay staff.
On 18 August, Electrek reported that Kyle Maki, who identified himself on LinkedIn as Windrose’s Director of Customer Success – Operations, claimed the company was 90 days behind on payroll and “out of money”. Maki alleged that employees had been working from a trailer after losing access to an office, that vehicle cabs had been left at the Port of Los Angeles due to unpaid bills, and that payroll provider Trion Solutions had cut ties with the company, leaving staff without insurance.
He also accused CEO Wen Han of prioritising media appearances over addressing the firm’s financial situation.
In response, Wen Han rejected the allegations. The CEO said Windrose “is not facing financial difficulties” and blamed the payroll delays on administrative challenges linked to a change of payroll partner. He explained that Windrose is legally a Belgian company with most of its capital held in China, which complicated US wage payments. Han said the transition is now complete and that salaries are being paid on time.
Han added that Maki has not been employed by Windrose for more than six months but continues to present himself as a current staff member. He also dismissed claims about the company losing its offices, stating that Windrose maintains an office in California and an assembly site in Los Angeles, with plans to relocate to a larger workshop later this year.
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Windrose has not published audited accounts confirming its financial position. However, Han said existing financiers remain supportive and that the company expects to announce a new funding round in the near future.
The contrasting accounts highlight the precarious position of start-ups in the capital-intensive electric truck sector, where large investments are required to compete with established manufacturers such as Daimler Truck, Volvo and Tesla. Whether Windrose can secure financing and reassure stakeholders will likely determine if the company remains a credible player in the heavy-duty EV market.
