Harbinger’s next product will be hybrid emergency vehicles

Emerging trucking startup Harbinger is making waves in the automotive industry by expanding its electric vehicle platform into the realm of emergency services. Recently, the company announced a partnership with Frazer, a veteran in the field with 70 years of experience, to produce ambulances and larger mobile healthcare units based on Harbinger’s innovative hybrid chassis. This collaboration, unveiled on Wednesday, marks a significant achievement for Harbinger, especially as it also ventures into the energy storage sector through a recent partnership with Airstream. Despite challenges facing the passenger vehicle market in the U.S., Harbinger's approach demonstrates that there is a growing demand for electric and hybrid vehicles in specialized industries. The key to Harbinger’s success lies in the adaptability of its platform, according to co-founder and CEO John Harris. The versatile chassis can be modified in length and equipped with a combustion engine to extend its range, catering to various customer requirements. In just a few short years, Harbinger's platform has already powered recreational vehicles in collaboration with THOR Industries, FedEx delivery vans, and now, ambulances. Harris shared that the platform offers a staggering 99.5% parts commonality, featuring multiple wheelbases, different gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR), and a variety of powertrain options, which includes a mix of battery packs and hybrid systems. This versatility has helped Harbinger secure over $300 million in funding to date. Frazer’s CEO, Laura Griffin, highlighted the advantages of adopting Harbinger’s hybrid powertrain, which primarily operates on electric power while utilizing a gas engine to recharge the battery. This transition is expected to reduce overall ownership costs and enhance operational uptime for clients, often municipalities and emergency service providers. Griffin emphasized the necessity for innovative solutions that improve user experiences, stating, "We’re constantly looking for what innovations can elevate the experience for our end users." She also revealed plans for Frazer to acquire battery-based auxiliary power units from Harbinger to replace conventional generators, allowing critical medical devices to function without draining the vehicle’s primary battery. Harris anticipates substantial growth potential, as the auxiliary power units will be beneficial regardless of the vehicle's powertrain, and with thousands of ambulances in circulation, the demand is promising. He also sees potential in other sectors, particularly in California, where regulations are tightening on gas-powered generators. Harris noted a rising interest in alternatives that provide cleaner energy solutions, demonstrating the broader appeal of Harbinger's technology in an evolving market.