In the US, Harbinger is seizing the opportunity to bring something truly transformational to the medium-duty truck segment. The California-based startup recognizes that the need for more energy efficient and cost-effective medium-duty trucks is greater than ever, driven by skyrocketing demand for last-mile delivery and distribution services. And it believes its pioneering chassis for battery-electric Class 4 to Class 7 vehicles – that’s everything from commercial walk-in delivery vans and box trucks to school buses and recreational vehicles – has the potential to revolutionize this sector and make electrification a truly viable and cost-effective option.
Because of the distances they travel and how they’re used, these types of trucks are well suited for electrification. Yet this also is a sector that’s highly cost sensitive. By making an electric chassis from the ground up, Harbinger has set out to compete directly with gas and diesel models while also enhancing safety, driver comfort, and vehicle performance – all tailored specifically for commercial fleet operators.
“We saw a unique opportunity to deliver a compelling electric vehicle in the medium-duty segment without being forced to compromise on performance, durability or affordability,” said John Harris, Harbinger’s CEO and co-founder.
A crucial part of Harbinger’s vision is its use of Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform on the cloud. This powerful environment brings together all of the capabilities the company needs to manage the entire product development lifecycle in one place.
“When we look at building a product like this, we need a CAD, PLM and manufacturing solution, and we needed all of those things to talk to each other natively,” Harris said. “Having all of that in one ecosystem is really important to achieving efficient design and use of resources internally as well as keeping us moving at a high speed.”
While basic technology solutions may be tempting for startups, Harbinger advocates investing in a proven industry platform that delivers all the best practice workflows and functionality needed now and in the future. Switching systems midway through a complex engineering project can be highly disruptive; Harbinger’s choice of a robust, scalable platform ensures continuity and reliability throughout the vehicle’s lifecycle. By unifying data across its processes, Harbinger makes sure all of development stays on course. Later on, when its trucks are fully in operation, it will collect valuable customer feedback, refine its products, and manage inventory and supply chain demands with precision.
Collaboration is another critical challenge: Harbinger faces the complexities of connecting its different teams working across different time zones and countries. With the 3DEXPERIENCE platform on the cloud, teams around the world can access the same data, review real-time design updates and track changes. This seamless, global collaboration is essential for keeping projects on track and adapting to changes quickly.
Looking ahead, Harbinger is committed to scaling its operations. Its decision to adopt Dassault Systèmes solutions wasn’t just about meeting immediate needs; it was about preparing for the future. With the capabilities to support advanced engineering and manufacturing processes built right into the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, Harbinger is well-positioned to continue leading the charge in electrifying the medium-duty vehicle market.
Discover how, by combining a pioneering development approach with powerful digital capabilities from Dassault Systèmes, Harbinger is setting a new standard for what’s possible in electric truck innovation.
Rebecca Lambert is a skilled content creator and journalist based in the UK. Since she was a young girl, Rebecca has been captivating readers with her words, covering virtually any and every subject matter.