Panasonic Energy has been selected as official battery cell supplier for Harbinger, a US-based manufacturer of medium-duty electric vehicles.
The collaboration will see Panasonic Energy’s lithium-ion 2170 batteries integrated into Harbinger’s battery systems.
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Known for their energy density of over 800Wh/L, the 2170 cells will be used across all Harbinger vehicle models.
Initially, Panasonic plans to produce batteries in Japan and ship them to Harbinger’s headquarters in Garden Grove, California.
Plans are underway to include Panasonic Energy’s De Soto, Kansas facility in the supply chain, enabling the use of US-manufactured cells in future production.
This would make Harbinger’s battery pack assembly the first in the commercial vehicle sector to be fully sourced within the US.
Harbinger manufactures its stripped chassis entirely in-house. These chassis are designed for applications including delivery vans, box trucks, and emergency response vehicles.
The chassis incorporates key systems such as an electric drivetrain and high-voltage battery system, assembled at its California facility.
Harbinger began production in early 2025. It is currently working to meet around 5,000 pre-orders from customers including Bimbo Bakeries USA and THOR Industries.
Harbinger co-founder and CEO John Harris said: “Harbinger’s commitment to safety and engineering opened the door for our relationship with Panasonic Energy, the supplier of the highest quality battery cells in the world.
“The battery cells we are using are the latest version Panasonic Energy supplies to the top consumer EV OEMs.
“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 said its 2170 cells are essential for Harbinger’s high-performance commercial vehicles, offering superior energy density, safety, and reliability.
The company, as of March 2025, has supplied approximately 19 billion lithium-ion EV batteries globally.
Panasonic Energy CEO Kazuo Tadanobu said: “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.
“Together, we are enhancing Harbinger’s product offerings while reinforcing our shared commitment to sustainability and electrification within the transportation industry.”
Last year, Panasonic Energy signed a seven-year offtake agreement for the supply of natural graphite with Nouveau Monde Graphite.
