EVwire Brief: Jason Gies, formerly Head of Operations for North America at Windrose, is now joining Tesla on the Business Development team for the Semi program.
Context:
Jason is an EV fleet industry heavyweight with a past at Hendrickson , AxleTech, Navistar Inc, and ABB E-mobility — in the latter, he was the VP of Global OEMs and North American Fleet Solutions. Jason is also a Board Member of Clean Fuels Michigan.
Here is how he announced the move:
Closing one chapter, leveling up the next.
This past year at Windrose Technology pushed me in ways I didn’t expect. I saw the highs of building something new and the frustration when execution didn’t match the goals. Those lessons stay with you.
To the U.S. team and the partners who stayed committed through the ups and downs, thank you. I’m proud of the work we tried to drive together and grateful for the relationships that came out of it.
Today, I start a new chapter with Tesla on the Business Development team for the Semi program. This role brings together everything I’ve done at Hendrickson , AxleTech, Navistar Inc, and ABB E-mobility. Real certified trucks running with customers. A new production plant nearing completion. MCS charging validation moving fast. Tesla is delivering, and I’m ready to contribute.
Electrifying freight isn’t a concept anymore. It’s happening. Let’s get to work.
Source: the post on LinkedIn
His new header now reflect Tesla Semi
Here’s what Jason has written about what he accomplished at Windrose, which started deliveries of its Class 8 electric truck in the US, and is also starting in Canada and Mexico in early 2026:
Built the North America structure during market entry. Led operations, supply chain, Human Resources, purchasing, and vehicle readiness. Directed charging integration, interoperability, and testing. Supported demos and customer evaluations. Set up tools, processes, and partners for early growth.
Photo by Windrose Founder & CEO, Wen Han
Just two weeks ago, as Jason no doubt knew he is switching positions soon, he posted something about his then-competitor, Tesla (which, granted, Windrose CEO is usually referring to more as a friend than foe), on LinkedIn:
“Tesla has continued to invest since its unveiling in 2017. Built without diesel baggage, it forced legacy OEMs to rethink their strategies. Now, most legacy OEMs are reverting to what they know, while Tesla is about to launch.
As more trucks hit the road, the question isn’t if electric heavy-duty trucks work; it’s when they take over for sub-500-mile applications.
“If you're not solving a real problem, you can't start a revolution.” – Tony Fadell
Is the Tesla Semi the disruptor we’ve been waiting for?”
As a sidenote, yours truly might be one of the few people in the world who has actually done a ride-along in both Tesla Semi and Windrose Semi:
Looks similar, but it’s two different trucks, I promise. And they met in Europe, of all places! Click on either thread to find more videos on what I learned, or see my longer write-up on the Tesla Semi experience here.
Great timing for Tesla Semi rollout
Tesla is just about getting ready to launch series production of the Tesla Semi at its purpose-built factory next to Giga Nevada which is planned for 50,000 annual Semi output.
fresh photo by @HinricksZane, the drone operator watching Tesla Semi factory
Tesla, on its Annual Shareholder Meeting in early November, also shared some updates on the Tesla Semi:
The Semi has been updated to be more efficient, now showing the 1.7 kWh/mile efficiency (so ~15% less than originally said). The thing is that the pilots with DHL and others have already consistently shown the 1.7 kWh / mile numbers, so… might it be we’ll start seeing ~1.5 kWh / mi soon?
It was also said it can now handle increased payload while still at 500 mile range, and is designed for Autonomy. I
think the Tesla does not mention Tesla Semi being able to run on FSD nearly as much as they should. Even though it’s “normal” for us who follow what they do, this will be a massive surprise factor for the world around us.
Tesla Semi has 800 kW drive power and can charge at 1.2 MW peak. The most visible change is that the truck got a Model Y-style light bar instead of the previous headlights.
Source: Jason Gies on LinkedIn; Tesla Annual Shareholder meeting.
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