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Panasonic Energy Partners with Harbinger for Electric Vehicle Advancement

In a significant development within the electric vehicle (EV) sector, Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd. has been appointed as the official battery cell supplier for Harbinger, a prominent player in the medium-duty EV market. This partnership aims to elevate the performance and efficiency of Harbinger's pioneering electric models.

Harbinger is positioned as a leader in the medium-duty EV landscape, specializing in electric chassis designed for versatile applications ranging from delivery vans to emergency response vehicles. Integrating Panasonic's cutting-edge 2170 lithium-ion battery cells into Harbinger's proprietary system marks a substantial upgrade, as these batteries offer an impressive energy density of over 800Wh/L. This high energy capacity ensures that Harbinger’s vehicles can operate effectively while minimizing downtime, catering to the increasing market demand for sustainable transport solutions.

Initially, Panasonic will supply these advanced battery cells from its plants in Japan, which will then be shipped to Harbinger's operations based in Garden Grove, California. The partnership lays the groundwork for future expansion, with plans to incorporate locally produced battery cells from Panasonic’s new manufacturing facility in De Soto, Kansas. This development not only reinforces supply stability but also allows for the first-ever complete battery pack assembly sourced entirely within the United States in the commercial vehicle sector.

Harbinger’s innovative electric chassis design is further complemented by its vertically integrated manufacturing process, which keeps production costs low while enhancing performance and durability. The company’s facility in California is responsible for the design and manufacturing of these sophisticated chassis, a clear indication of its commitment to U.S.-based production and job creation.

With the official start of production initiated in early 2025, Harbinger is set to fulfill significant pre-orders from major clients, including recognized brands such as Bimbo Bakeries USA and THOR Industries. The strategic integration of Panasonic’s 2170 battery cells plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and reliability of these high-performance commercial vehicles.

Panasonic Energy’s historical excellence in battery technology is evident, having supplied around 19 billion lithium-ion EV batteries globally as of March 2025. This impressive figure translates to powering approximately 3.7 million electric vehicles without any recalls associated with battery failures, underscoring Panasonic's dedication to quality and safety.

John Harris, CEO of Harbinger, emphasized the partnership's significance: “Harbinger's commitment to safety and engineering opened the door for our relationship with Panasonic, reflecting our desire to integrate the highest quality battery cells in our vehicles.” This sentiment was echoed by Panasonic Energy's CEO, Kazuo Tadanobu, who described the collaboration as a transformative milestone that could significantly contribute to sustainability and innovation within the transportation sector.

As both companies continue their journey together, they aim not only to enhance the capabilities of electric vehicles but also to push the boundaries of what is possible in the EV market. This partnership between Panasonic Energy and Harbinger stands as a promising example of collaboration in the pursuit of environmentally responsible and efficient transport solutions.

For more information on Harbinger’s groundbreaking initiatives, visit Harbinger Motors. Similarly, details about Panasonic Energy’s innovations can be found on Panasonic.