Harbinger, a prominent medium-duty electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has partnered with Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd., a member of the Panasonic Group, to announce that Panasonic Energy will serve as the official battery cell supplier for Harbinger. Panasonic’s lithium-ion batteries will be integrated into Harbinger’s custom battery system, powering its American-made medium-duty electric vehicles.
Panasonic Energy, a global leader in battery technology, has become the official battery cell supplier for Harbinger, a medium-duty electric vehicle (EV) company. Panasonic will provide Harbinger with its advanced 2170 lithium-ion battery cells, known for their exceptional energy density of over 800Wh/L. These high-performance batteries will power Harbinger’s American-made medium-duty EVs, enhancing their overall efficiency and performance.
Initially, Panasonic Energy will supply battery cells manufactured in Japan, which will be shipped to Harbinger’s headquarters in Garden Grove, California. In the future, the two companies plan to expand production by including Panasonic’s manufacturing facility in De Soto, Kansas. This collaboration could result in U.S.-produced battery cells for Harbinger’s battery packs, making it the first fully U.S.-sourced battery pack assembly in the commercial vehicle sector.
Harbinger’s platform, developed for medium-duty vehicles such as walk-in vans, box trucks, RVs, and delivery vans, is designed and built at its Garden Grove facility. The company’s proprietary electric stripped chassis incorporates all essential systems, including the electric drivetrain and high-voltage battery system, setting them apart from competitors. Their vertically integrated approach helps keep costs down while improving performance, safety, and durability. Harbinger plans to start production in early 2025 and fulfill pre-orders from major clients like Bimbo Bakeries USA and THOR Industries, totaling around 5,000 units.
The Panasonic 2170 cells, with their superior energy density and unmatched safety, are crucial for powering Harbinger’s commercial vehicles. These cylindrical batteries have proven their reliability in various successful EV products. As of March 2025, Panasonic Energy had supplied approximately 19 billion lithium-ion batteries worldwide, powering 3.7 million EVs, without any recalls related to battery issues, cementing its reputation for high-quality, dependable batteries.
John Harris, Co-founder and CEO of Harbinger, expressed pride in the partnership with Panasonic Energy, highlighting the company’s commitment to safety and engineering. He emphasized that Panasonic’s battery cells, used by top consumer EV OEMs, ensure Harbinger’s chassis are equipped with the highest quality batteries, backed by Panasonic’s exceptional track record of low defect rates. Harris noted that Harbinger is honored to be among the exclusive group of automakers chosen by Panasonic.
Kazuo Tadanobu, CEO of Panasonic Energy, stated that the partnership represents a significant step in advancing battery innovation. He praised Harbinger’s chassis design and battery packs for their safety and durability, aligning with Panasonic’s performance standards. Tadanobu emphasized that the collaboration strengthens both companies’ commitment to sustainability and electrification in the transportation sector.
