Panasonic Energy Battery Supply Secures Harbinger’s EV Ambitions

Harbinger

Panasonic to Power Harbinger’s Medium-Duty EV Lineup

Panasonic Energy has officially become the battery supply partner for Harbinger, a California-based electric vehicle (EV) startup. The agreement covers Panasonic’s high-energy 2170 cells, which will be used in all Harbinger vehicle models. These cells, initially produced in Japan, will be shipped to Harbinger’s headquarters in Garden Grove, California, for integration.

U.S. Battery Manufacturing to Expand for EV Market

To localize production, Panasonic and Harbinger plan to scale up operations at Panasonic’s De Soto plant in Kansas. This initiative will support the creation of the first fully US-sourced commercial EV battery packs. The move aligns with broader U.S. supply chain and IRA-compliant sourcing strategies in the EV industry.

Commercial EV Momentum Builds with Strategic Orders

Harbinger began production in early 2025 and has approximately 5,000 pre-orders from major customers such as Bimbo Bakeries USA and THOR Industries. The Panasonic Energy battery supply deal supports the company’s ability to meet demand while securing domestic and reliable sourcing for future growth.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Panasonic’s strategic partnership with Harbinger exemplifies the growing trend of vertically aligned EV supply chains. The shift to U.S.-based battery sourcing not only strengthens industrial resilience but also signals a new era for commercial vehicle electrification.