Harbinger, a U.S.-based commercial EV manufacturer, has entered into a battery supply agreement with Panasonic Energy, securing a consistent supply of high-performance lithium-ion battery cells for its medium-duty electric vehicle platform. The partnership, announced on April 23, designates Panasonic as Harbinger’s official battery cell provider across its full product lineup.
Harbinger will integrate Panasonic’s 2170 cylindrical battery cells—known for their energy density of over 800Wh/L—into all upcoming vehicle models. This cell technology is set to improve overall range and vehicle efficiency, supporting fleet operators looking for scalable, electrified solutions. For now, production will begin with battery cells sourced from Panasonic’s facilities in Japan, with plans to expand to domestic production in the near future.
While the battery cells will initially be produced overseas, Harbinger and Panasonic have signaled intentions to localize manufacturing. Panasonic’s De Soto, Kansas facility is expected to play a future role in the supply chain, supporting efforts to establish a fully U.S.-sourced battery pack system tailored for commercial vehicle applications.
At its Garden Grove, California headquarters, Harbinger handles the design and assembly of its electric drivetrains and high-voltage battery systems in-house. This vertically integrated model has allowed the company to control both cost and quality—key factors in building vehicles that meet the performance and safety needs of commercial customers.
With production now underway, Harbinger is focused on delivering an initial run of approximately 5,000 vehicles to customers including Bimbo Bakeries USA and THOR Industries. These EVs are intended for a range of medium-duty applications, such as walk-in delivery vans, box trucks, and recreational or emergency service vehicles.
Panasonic Energy brings to the table extensive experience in EV battery manufacturing, having delivered nearly 19 billion lithium-ion cells as of March 2025—supporting around 3.7 million EVs globally without battery-related recalls. That established performance record made Panasonic an appealing partner for Harbinger’s growing commercial EV platform.
Both companies have emphasized the strategic alignment between their teams. Harbinger’s vehicle chassis and battery integration capabilities complement Panasonic’s focus on safety, performance, and long-term sustainability. As fleet operators continue to demand lower emissions and greater efficiency, the collaboration aims to meet those expectations through both technology and domestic manufacturing.
