Harbinger, a U.S.-based medium-duty electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has announced a strategic partnership with Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the Panasonic Group. Under this collaboration, Panasonic Energy will supply advanced 2170 lithium-ion battery cells for Harbinger’s proprietary electric chassis platform, enhancing the performance and efficiency of its American-made medium-duty EVs.
The 2170 lithium-ion cells provided by Panasonic boast an energy density exceeding 800 Wh/L, offering high performance, durability, and safety. These batteries are integral to Harbinger’s vertically integrated chassis architecture, which includes in-house developed drivetrain and battery systems. This design approach aims to deliver cost-effective, safe, and durable solutions for various applications, including delivery vans, box trucks, and emergency response vehicles.
Initially, Panasonic will supply battery cells manufactured in Japan to Harbinger’s headquarters in Garden Grove, California. Future plans include sourcing cells from Panasonic’s facility in De Soto, Kansas, potentially making Harbinger’s battery packs the first fully U.S.-sourced assemblies in the commercial vehicle sector.
Harbinger has commenced series production in early 2025 and is currently fulfilling approximately 5,000 pre-orders from clients such as Bimbo Bakeries USA and THOR Industries. The company’s proprietary stripped chassis is designed for easy upfitting and high-volume manufacturing, targeting price parity with diesel vehicles from launch.
Panasonic Energy’s CEO, Kazuo Tadanobu, highlighted the significance of this partnership in advancing battery innovation and sustainability. He noted that Harbinger’s chassis design and battery packs align with Panasonic’s high standards for performance and reliability.
This collaboration underscores the growing trend of integrating advanced battery technology into medium-duty EVs, aiming to enhance performance, safety, and sustainability in the commercial vehicle sector. Harbinger’s partnership with Panasonic Energy represents a significant step toward achieving these goals.
