Electric trucking startup Harbinger has acquired autonomous driving software company Phantom AI to vertically integrate technology and create new revenue streams. This acquisition, Harbinger’s first, aims to expand its portfolio beyond the electric truck chassis it has been building and selling for the past year. Recently, Harbinger began selling its battery packs for energy storage and auxiliary power, with Airstream as its first customer.
Harbinger announced that German automotive technology giant ZF Group will license Phantom’s advanced driver assistance technology, acquired through the deal, for use in passenger cars. Terms of the deals weren’t disclosed. Harbinger co-founder and CEO John Harris stated in an interview that he expects their new software services business to generate “millions” in revenue this year, though it would be minor compared to their chassis sales. Harbinger recently raised $160 million in a funding round led by FedEx and THOR Industries.
Harris anticipates the ZF Group deal will significantly impact revenue by 2027 or 2028 due to the large market volume for passenger cars. Previously using Phantom AI’s driver assistance tech, Harbinger will deepen this integration, benefiting Harbinger’s customers.
“There’s a complete lack of safety features in medium-duty trucking,” Harris noted, “Many vehicles lack backup cameras, air conditioning, lane keeping, and automatic emergency braking.” Harbinger offers a lower total cost of ownership, improved emissions compliance, and an easier-to-drive electric vehicle. Harris believes Phantom’s safety tech will enhance their chassis, especially in high-risk environments like truck ports and neighborhoods.
While Harbinger is based in Los Angeles, California, Phantom AI’s 30 employees and leadership will remain in Mountain View.