Harbinger, a medium-duty electric vehicle (EV) company, and Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd., a Panasonic Group Company, have announced that Panasonic Energy is now the official battery cell supplier for Harbinger. Panasonic Energy's lithium-ion batteries are incorporated into Harbinger's proprietary battery system to power its American-made medium-duty electric vehicles.
Panasonic Energy will supply Harbinger with its latest 2170 batteries for all models. These battery cells boast an energy density of above 800Wh/L (watt-hours per liter), ensuring energy solutions that enhance truck performance and efficiency.
Initially, Panasonic Energy will supply Harbinger with battery cells manufactured in Japan, which will be delivered to Harbinger's headquarters in Garden Grove, California. In the near future, the two companies look to expand production to include Panasonic Energy's manufacturing facility in De Soto, Kansas. This opportunity would enable the addition of U.S.-produced battery cells to Harbinger's existing U.S.-based production of battery packs, making the complete battery pack assembly the first in the commercial vehicle sector to be fully U.S.-sourced.
Harbinger's American-made platform, also known as a stripped chassis, was developed for medium-duty vehicles such as walk-in vans, box trucks, recreational vehicles, delivery vans, and emergency and disaster response vehicles. The company designs and manufactures its chassis at its Garden Grove, California facility. Their proprietary electric stripped chassis includes all major systems, like the in-house electric drivetrain and high-voltage battery system, positioning them as a unique player in the industry. This vertically integrated approach keeps costs low and enhances performance, safety, and durability. Harbinger achieved start of production (SOP) in early 2025, and is working to fulfill approximately 5,000 pre-orders from major customers including Bimbo Bakeries USA, THOR Industries and more.
Panasonic Energy's 2170 cells, offering superior energy density, safety and reliability, are crucial for Harbinger's high-performance commercial vehicles. The cylindrical batteries, proven in various successful EV products, offer unrivaled safety and durability—aiding Harbinger in delivering exceptional vehicles to its customers. As of March 2025, Panasonic Energy had supplied approximately 19 billion lithium-ion EV batteries globally, equivalent to powering 3.7 million EVs, without any vehicle recalls due to battery-attributed issues, highlighting its reputation for high-quality, reliable battery cells.
