Technology
Can an electric delivery truck defy the worst that winter has to offer?
Can an electric delivery truck defy the worst that winter has to offer?
Harbinger, a leading medium-duty electric vehicle (EV) company, has recently demonstrated that it can.
The company has released a video showcasing its EV delivery truck handling icy roads with impressive agility and stability during winter testing in New Zealand.
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EV delivery truck being tested in winter conditions (Harbinger)
Innovative design for superior handling
Harbinger’s EV delivery truck features a unique chassis design that 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 for vehicles exceeding 13 feet in length. The result is a truck that handles more like a passenger car, even in challenging winter conditions.
EV delivery truck being tested in winter conditions (Harbinger)
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Rigorous winter testing
The winter testing program in New Zealand focused on several key aspects:
Braking systems: Harbinger thoroughly tested the truck’s overall braking system, including traction control, stability control, ABS and regenerative braking.
EV delivery truck being tested in winter conditions (Harbinger)
Torque control: Given the substantial torque capabilities of electric vehicles, a primary goal was to demonstrate a driver’s ability to maintain control on ice and snow.
EV delivery truck being tested in winter conditions (Harbinger)
The uphill launch: This tested the ability of the vehicle to climb up to a 25% grade.
EV delivery truck being tested in winter conditions (Harbinger)
Automated hill hold: This feature prevents a vehicle from rolling backward (or forward) when it is stopped on an incline, and Harbinger tested it in low-traction conditions with ice and snow. This feature is common in passenger cars but newly introduced in medium-duty trucks by Harbinger.
Edge cases: About 80% of the tests conducted were designed around 5% of use cases, ensuring the vehicle can handle even the most extreme situations.
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Key elements of winter testing
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. Systems like regenerative braking also need optimization for extreme conditions.
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Specific tests for driver safety
Several tests can only be conducted in actual winter weather to stress test for optimal driver safety.
Low-adhesion surface control: Ensuring the vehicle remains maneuverable and stable on snow and ice.
Traction and stability testing: Validating traction control and stability systems under sudden accelerations, braking and cornering.
Regenerative braking on slippery surfaces: Testing how regenerative braking interacts with low-traction conditions to prevent skidding.
These tests help ensure that vehicles can safely handle extreme weather situations, such as when drivers stop steering or accelerating upon hitting a slippery patch of black ice.
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EV delivery truck being tested in icy conditions (Harbinger)
Battery performance in winter conditions
According to Harbinger, all battery-powered vehicles face challenges in cold weather due to two main factors: reduced battery performance and increased energy consumption for cabin heating. At low temperatures, the chemical reactions within the battery slow down, leading to decreased efficiency and power output. Additionally, electric vehicles require energy to heat the cabin, which further reduces driving range. Harbinger addresses these concerns by utilizing a multi-zone heat pump that efficiently provides heating for both the battery and cabin, thereby minimizing the negative effects of cold weather on performance.
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Charging in cold temperatures
Charging an electric vehicle in cold weather is generally not problematic. Harbinger’s delivery trucks can be charged without issues, even in low temperatures, ensuring that drivers can maintain operations without interruption. While it’s important to be aware that charging times may be longer if the battery is colder, Harbinger conditions its batteries to the optimal temperature for charging, even when it’s cold outside, to mitigate this inconvenience.
Two EV delivery trucks being tested in winter conditions (Harbinger)
Accelerated development through year-round testing
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.
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Versatile electric vehicle platform
Harbinger has developed a versatile lineup of medium-duty electric vehicles, including:
- Walk-in vans
- Box trucks
- Recreational vehicles
- Emergency response vehicles
- Delivery vans
This versatility positions Harbinger as a crucial player in transforming the medium-duty vehicle market, which has long needed modernization and innovation.
EV delivery truck being charged in winter conditions (Harbinger)
Market traction and customer confidence
In May 2024, Harbinger announced 4,000 binding preorders for its vehicles. The orders are valued at more than $400 million. This significant market traction underscores customer confidence in Harbinger’s technology and vision.
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Kurt’s key takeaways
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.
What are your thoughts on the rise of electric vehicles? Do you see them as the future of transportation, or do you prefer traditional gas-powered vehicles? Why? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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OpenAI announced yet another reorganization Friday, consolidating certain areas and making company president Greg Brockman the official lead of all things product.
In a memo viewed by The Verge, Brockman wrote that since OpenAI’s product strategy for this year is to go all-in on AI agents, the company is combining its products to “invest in a single agentic platform and to merge ChatGPT and Codex into one unified agentic experience for all.”
To do this, the company is making a suite of org chart changes, although it’s still operating under some of the same ones from last month. That’s when AGI boss Fidji Simo went on medical leave and OpenAI announced that Brockman would be in charge of product strategy and CSO Jason Kwon, CFO Sarah Friar, and CRO Denise Dresser would take control of business operations.
It’s all part of OpenAI’s recent strategic shift to focus on key revenue drivers like coding and enterprise and stop pouring resources into “side quests” ahead of its potential IPO later this year and amid investor pressure to turn a profit.
In Simo’s continued absence, Brockman’s role leading product strategy is now official, as well as the company’s “scaling” arm. Under Brockman will be four different pillars. The first is core product and platform, led by Thibault Sottiaux, who has been OpenAI’s engineering lead for Codex, and the second is critical enterprise industries, led by ChatGPT head Nick Turley. Third is the consumer pillar, such as health, commerce, and personal finance, which will be led by Ashley Alexander, who has been its healthcare products VP. The fourth pillar — core infrastructure, ads, data science, and growth — will be led by Vijaye Raji, who has been OpenAI’s CTO of applications.
Brockman wrote in the memo that OpenAI’s goal is now to “bring agents to ChatGPT scale, in order to give individuals and organizations significantly more value and utility from our products.”
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You’re going about your day when your phone buzzes. A text hits your phone. It looks official. It sounds urgent. And suddenly, you are being told you owe money for a traffic violation. That is exactly what Todd from Texas experienced. He emailed us and said:
“I received this text message today. It was so baffling because I haven’t lived in California for nearly a decade. I didn’t click on anything or respond. How can I tell if this is for real or if this is a scam?”
If you’ve gotten a message like this, you are not alone. This type of scam is spreading fast, and it is designed to pressure you into acting before you think. Let’s break down what is really going on.
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FAKE AGENT PHONE SCAMS ARE SPREADING FAST ACROSS THE US
This message may look official, but several red flags show it is likely a scam designed to pressure you into paying quickly. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What the traffic ticket scam text looks like
At first, the message seems convincing. It claims to be a “final reminder” from the California DMV, and it warns of penalties like license suspension and added fees. It even includes a link that appears somewhat official. However, once you slow down and take a closer look, the red flags quickly start to pile up.
The biggest red flags in this message
Here are the key warning signs to watch for in messages like this.
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1) The phone number makes no sense
The message comes from a number with a +63 country code. That is the Philippines, not California. Government agencies in the U.S. do not send official legal notices from international numbers. That alone is a major warning sign.
2) No name, just “Dear Driver”
Legitimate notices from a DMV or court almost always include your full name or at least some identifying information. “Dear Driver” is vague on purpose. It allows scammers to send the same message to thousands of people.
3) The link isn’t a real DMV website
The message includes this link:
ca.mnvtl.life/dmv
That isn’t a government domain. Official DMV websites in California use “.ca.gov” or similar trusted domains. Scammers often create lookalike links to trick you into clicking.
4) Urgency and threats
The message pushes you to act quickly with a deadline. It lists consequences like license suspension and extra charges. Scammers rely on fear. When you feel rushed, you are more likely to click without thinking.
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5) Asking you to reply to proceed
The text says to reply with “Y” to get instructions. That is another trap. Responding confirms your number is active, which can lead to more scam messages.
6) Generic language and odd phrasing
Parts of the message feel slightly off. The tone is formal but not quite right. That subtle awkwardness is common in scam messages sent to large groups of people.
7) Overloaded threats designed to scare you
The message piles on consequences like license suspension, added fees, court action and even credit damage. In this case, it even mentions a license suspension and a $160 late payment charge. That combination is meant to overwhelm you and push you to act fast. Real agencies usually provide clear, specific notices, not a long list of escalating threats in a single text.
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Scam texts like this often arrive out of nowhere and try to create urgency before you have time to question them. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What this means for you
Even if you have never driven in California, you could still receive this message. Scammers cast a wide net and hope someone takes the bait. If you click the link, you could be taken to a fake payment page. That page may ask for your credit card details, personal information or login credentials. In some cases, it can also install malware on your device or redirect you to credential-stealing pages. This isn’t about a ticket. It is about getting your data. State DMVs typically do not send final legal notices or payment demands by text message.
Why these scams keep working
These messages work because they tap into something most people fear. Legal trouble, fines and losing driving privileges. They also look just real enough to pass a quick glance. That is all scammers need. As more services move online, these scams will continue to evolve.
Unlike typical DMV scams, this message impersonates a court and escalates the threats to make the situation feel more serious (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Ways to stay safe from traffic ticket text scams
Start with a simple rule. Never trust a payment request that shows up out of nowhere. Here are practical steps you can take:
1) Do not click the link
If you are unsure, do not tap anything in the message. That includes links and reply options.
2) Use strong antivirus software
If you accidentally click a link, strong antivirus software can help detect malware and protect your data. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com
3) Verify directly with the DMV
Go to your state’s official DMV website by typing it yourself into your browser. Do not use the link in the text.
4) Check the sender carefully
Look at the phone number. International numbers or random strings are a clear warning sign.
5) Ignore generic greetings
Real notices will usually include your name or case details. Vague language is a red flag.
6) Consider a data removal service
Scammers often get your number from data broker sites. Removing your personal info from those databases with a data removal service can reduce these messages. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com
7) Block and report the number
On your phone, block the sender and report it as spam. This helps reduce future attempts.
8) Turn on spam filtering
Enable spam filtering on your phone or through your carrier to catch more of these messages before they reach you.
Kurt’s key takeaways
Todd did the right thing. He paused, questioned the message and did not click. That one decision likely saved him from handing over personal information. When it comes to messages like this, skepticism is your best defense. If something feels off, trust that instinct.
Should phone carriers and tech companies be doing more to block scams like this before you ever see them? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com
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Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Honda revealed prototypes of two new hybrid models, an Accord sedan and the Acura RDX SUV, during its annual business briefing this week, built on a platform that it says will begin launching next year. The RDX was announced earlier this year as Honda’s first SUV to feature the next-gen version of its two-motor hybrid system.
In March, Honda announced it would take a writedown of up to 2.5 trillion yen ($15.7 billion) on its EV investments. Now Honda says its EV-related losses will be “resolved” by 2029, and that it will reevaluate its EV plans in 2030.
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