The medium-duty trucking industry is on the brink of a revolution, and one startup is leading the charge with a refreshingly modest approach. In a world where companies are constantly trying to reinvent the wheel, Harbinger is taking a different route by focusing on what works and making incremental changes to revolutionize the delivery experience.
Located in Garden Grove, California, Harbinger is quietly making waves in the industry with its all-electric vehicles that look nearly identical to traditional delivery trucks. The key difference? These vehicles are powered by electric drive, eliminating the need for diesel fuel and reducing emissions.
Rather than starting from scratch, Harbinger is focusing on medium-duty trucks, which are larger than many electric options currently on the market. By honing in on this niche, Harbinger is able to provide a solution that is both practical and cost-effective for companies looking to make the switch to electric vehicles.
The company’s co-founder and CTO, Phillip Weicker, explains that Harbinger specializes in building chassis, leaving the body installation to upfitters. This approach allows Harbinger to focus on the unique aspects of electric drive technology without the need for costly investments in body manufacturing.
When it comes to driving the Harbinger vehicles, the experience is both familiar and exhilarating. The electric motor delivers instant acceleration, while regenerative braking and fresh disc brakes provide a smooth and efficient braking solution. The absence of a traditional transmission simplifies the driving experience, making it easy for drivers to operate these vehicles.
Despite the lack of flashy features, the Harbinger vehicles offer a practical and affordable solution for companies looking to transition to electric vehicles. With federal incentives like the Commercial Clean Vehicle Credit 45W, Harbinger is able to compete with traditional diesel trucks on pricing while offering lower operating costs in the long run.
One of the key advantages of Harbinger’s approach is the durability of its custom-made gigacast battery packs. Designed to last for decades, these battery packs are built to withstand the rigors of commercial trucking, providing customers with a reliable and long-lasting power source.
As Harbinger gears up for full production, the company already has 4,000 preorders on the books and has delivered pre-production models to customers like Thor. With a focus on the basics and a commitment to practical innovation, Harbinger is setting a new standard for the future of medium-duty trucking.
In a world of flashy EV startups, Harbinger’s understated approach is a breath of fresh air, offering a glimpse of what the future of trucking could look like. With a focus on simplicity, reliability, and cost-effectiveness, Harbinger is paving the way for a new era of electric vehicle technology in the medium-duty trucking industry.
