Can an electric delivery truck defy the worst that winter has to offer?
Winter can be a challenging time for any vehicle, but can an electric delivery truck defy the worst that winter has to offer? Harbinger, a leading medium-duty electric vehicle (EV) company, has proven that it can. The company recently released a video showcasing its EV delivery truck handling icy roads with impressive agility and stability during winter testing in New Zealand.
One of the key features of Harbinger’s EV delivery truck is its unique chassis design, which places the heavy batteries within the frame, resulting in a much lower center of gravity compared to traditional medium-duty trucks. This innovative layout allows for powerful torque and superior handling, even in challenging winter conditions. The result is a truck that handles more like a passenger car, even when faced with icy roads.
The winter testing program in New Zealand focused on several key aspects, including testing the overall braking system, torque control, uphill launch capabilities, automated hill hold, and handling of edge cases. About 80% of the tests conducted were designed around 5% of use cases, ensuring that the vehicle can handle even the most extreme situations.
According to John Harris, co-founder and CEO of Harbinger, winter testing is critical for vehicle development, especially for EVs. It ensures that vehicles perform reliably on low-traction surfaces such as ice and snow. The focus is not only on typical cold weather driving conditions but also on less common yet important higher-risk scenarios. This is particularly crucial for EVs due to their significant torque output, which can lead to loss of control if not managed correctly on slippery surfaces.
Several tests were conducted to stress test for optimal driver safety, including low-adhesion surface control, traction and stability testing, and testing regenerative braking on slippery surfaces. These tests help ensure that vehicles can safely handle extreme weather situations, such as when drivers encounter black ice.
One of the main challenges that electric vehicles face in cold weather is reduced battery performance and increased energy consumption for cabin heating. Harbinger addresses these concerns by utilizing a multi-zone heat pump that efficiently provides heating for both the battery and cabin, minimizing the negative effects of cold weather on performance.
Charging an electric vehicle in cold weather can be challenging, but Harbinger’s delivery trucks can be charged without issues, even in low temperatures. The company conditions its batteries to the optimal temperature for charging, ensuring that drivers can maintain operations without interruption.
Harbinger conducts winter testing in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres, allowing for year-round progress and faster technology development. This strategy helps bring Harbinger’s vehicles to market faster, meeting the growing demand for innovative commercial EV solutions.
In May 2024, Harbinger announced 4,000 binding preorders for its vehicles, valued at more than $400 million. This significant market traction underscores customer confidence in Harbinger’s technology and vision.
Overall, Harbinger’s successful winter testing of its EV delivery truck marks a significant milestone in the evolution of commercial electric vehicles. By combining innovative design, advanced technology, and rigorous testing, Harbinger is proving that electric delivery trucks can not only match but potentially surpass their traditional counterparts in performance and reliability, even in the harshest winter conditions.
