U.S.-based electric vehicle manufacturer Harbinger has entered a long-term supply agreement with Panasonic Energy to source cylindrical lithium-ion battery cells for its medium-duty commercial vehicle platform, the companies said on Friday.
Under the deal, Harbinger will integrate Panasonic’s high-performance 2170 battery cells into all of its electric chassis models. These cells, known for their energy density exceeding 800 Wh/l, will power a range of applications including delivery vans, RVs, and emergency response vehicles. Panasonic initially will ship cells from Japan, with plans to localize production at its gigafactory in De Soto, Kansas.
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“This partnership marks a transformative milestone for both Panasonic Energy and Harbinger as we jointly advance battery innovation,” said Kazuo Tadanobu, CEO of Panasonic Energy. “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.”
The announcement follows Harbinger’s recent start of series production for its U.S.-made stripped chassis platform, a vertically integrated architecture featuring an in-house developed drivetrain and battery system. The company is currently fulfilling an order backlog of about 5,000 vehicles for clients including Bimbo Bakeries USA and THOR Industries.
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“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 shipped over 19 billion battery cells globally for electric vehicles—powering more than 3.7 million EVs—without a single battery-related recall, a factor that played a key role in Harbinger’s selection of the Japanese supplier.
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The companies aim to become the first in the commercial EV segment to offer a fully U.S.-sourced battery pack assembly, supporting efforts to strengthen domestic manufacturing and mitigate supply chain risks.