From doorstep to supply depot, this EV truck maker aims to tackle both
Electric chassis manufacturer Harbinger is partnering with American Rheinmetall to develop hybrid-powered autonomous supply vehicles for the U.S. Army's last tactical mile.
Harbinger, a California-based builder of medium-duty chassis, has entered the defense sector as a primary supplier for a new U.S. Army logistics initiative. According to FreightWaves, the company is providing the foundational platform for Project Sustainment, an 18-month contract led by American Rheinmetall. The program aims to create uncrewed ground vehicles that deliver supplies to troops on the front lines, mimicking the efficiency of civilian last-mile delivery networks like those used by major parcel carriers.
The prototype vehicles utilize a hybrid drivetrain rather than a purely electric system to balance stealth with operational range. While the trucks can operate silently in electric mode to minimize thermal and acoustic signatures near combat zones, the hybrid setup allows for travel distances up to 500 miles. These platforms are fully automated and lack traditional driver controls like steering wheels or pedals, as they are designed to remove soldiers from high-risk transport missions in contested environments.
Harbinger’s involvement stems from its existing commercial architecture, which includes integrated steer-by-wire and brake-by-wire technologies. John Harris, CEO of Harbinger, noted that the vehicle functions as a moving, trailer-like platform rather than a modified conventional truck. By utilizing commercial-grade Class 5 and 6 components, the project seeks to offer the military a lower-cost entry point for mass-produced autonomous logistics, with field demonstrations scheduled to take place within the next year.
Editorial Desk — Trade Flow Insight. Reporting and market notes compiled by the Trade Flow Insight editorial team.
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