What’s Happening: Xos, Inc., a prominent electric truck manufacturer and fleet services provider, has released a video displaying the winter performance testing of its recently unveiled 2023 Xos Stepvan. The tests were carried out over five days in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where the vehicle was subjected to 15-degree weather conditions.
Why It Matters: As the electric vehicle (EV) market continues to grow, manufacturers like Xos must prove the reliability and safety of their products under various weather conditions. Demonstrating the ability of the Xos Stepvan to perform well in cold climates will help increase customer confidence in the company’s offerings.
Key Points:
- The Xos commercial truck testing team assessed the Stepvan’s performance across 12 different handling courses, simulating various road conditions, including low-friction surfaces, circular tracks, hills, and stability areas with snow and ice.
- In addition to the handling courses, the Stepvan’s performance was evaluated on public roads and in nearby towns and cities to imitate real-life scenarios.
- David Dominic Jr., Director of Commercial Truck Testing at Xos, highlighted the importance of testing in a controlled setting to simulate real-world challenges and ensure the vehicle’s safety and reliability.
- The winter testing also included examining the battery systems and software interactions with the vehicle, enabling the team to develop new software solutions for potential issues and improve overall performance.
- These tests provided valuable insights into the battery systems’ performance in cold climates, a critical factor for electric vehicles.
Bottom Line: Xos’s comprehensive winter performance testing of the 2023 Xos Stepvan demonstrates the company’s commitment to delivering safe, comfortable, and reliable electric vehicles. The tests, conducted in challenging weather conditions, aim to validate the vehicle’s software and battery systems to ensure customer satisfaction and the continued growth of the electric vehicle market.
