Harbinger has named Panasonic Energy as its official battery cell supplier. The US-based medium-duty electric vehicle manufacturer will use the high-performance 2170 lithium-ion cells from Panasonic for its proprietary chassis platform.
Panasonic Energy and California-based Harbinger have announced a long-term battery supply agreement that will see Panasonic’s industry-leading 2170 cylindrical cells integrated into all of Harbinger’s medium-duty electric vehicles. The battery cells will be used in Harbinger’s US-made electric chassis platform, production of which started earlier this month.
The partnership builds on Harbinger’s vertically integrated chassis architecture, which includes an in-house developed drivetrain and battery system. The 2170 cells supplied by Panasonic boast an energy density of over 800 Wh/l, providing the high performance, durability, and safety required for demanding use cases such as box trucks, walk-in vans, recreational vehicles and emergency response vehicles.
Initially, Panasonic will supply cells from its facilities in Japan, with plans to localise production at its gigafactory in De Soto, Kansas. Once transitioned, the companies aim to deliver the first fully US-sourced commercial battery pack assembly in the industry, further supporting domestic manufacturing and reducing supply chain risk.
“The battery cells we are using are the latest version Panasonic Energy supplies to the top consumer EV OEMs,” said Harbinger CEO John Harris. “Panasonic Energy’s long track record of both high-quality battery cell production and the industry’s lowest defect rates sets them apart and ensures Harbinger’s chassis will be outfitted with the best batteries available today.”
Panasonic Energy has delivered more than 19 billion EV battery cells globally, equivalent to powering over 3.7 million electric vehicles, without a single recall related to battery defects, the company emphasised. This record was a key factor in Harbinger’s decision to partner with the Japanese battery giant.
Kazuo Tadanobu, CEO of Panasonic Energy, added: “This partnership marks a transformative milestone for both Panasonic Energy and Harbinger as we jointly advance battery innovation. Harbinger’s chassis design and battery packs stand out as among the safest and most durable in the EV industry, aligning with our high standards for performance and reliability.”
As mentioned above, Harbinger started series production in early 2025 and is currently fulfilling around 5,000 pre-orders from customers, including 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.com (PDF)
