John Harris (Harbinger)
Overview
John Henry Harris is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Harbinger Motors, a company at the forefront of electric mobility innovation. Founded in 2021, Harbinger Motors focuses on modernizing the medium-duty vehicle industry by delivering electric vehicle platforms with exceptional performance and durability at a competitive price. Harris is recognized for his contributions to engineering leadership, particularly in product lifecycle management and cross-functional team leadership, with a career spanning diverse industries such as aerospace and automotive design. His academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Engineering from Cornell University.
Recent Developments
- November 2025: Harbinger Motors raised $160 million in a Series C funding round led by FedEx, Capricorn’s Technology Impact Fund, and THOR Industries. This funding aims to expand operations and development efforts as the company strengthens its position in the medium-duty commercial electric vehicle market. FedEx also placed an order for 53 electric vehicle chassis. (OC Register)
- July 2024: Harbinger Motors relocated its headquarters from Gardena to Garden Grove, California, marking a strategic move to accommodate its growth. The relocation was accompanied by an increase in workforce, now totaling about 400 employees.
- January 2025: Harbinger announced plans to expand its production capacity and enhance its sales, parts, and service operations nationwide.
- 2024: Harbinger secured significant vehicle orders from entities such as Bimbo Bakeries USA, Mail Management Services Inc., and THOR Industries. (OC Register)
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | John Henry Harris |
| Born | Not publicly available |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Co-Founder and CEO of Harbinger Motors |
| Known For | Leadership in electric mobility and engineering innovation |
| Net Worth | Not publicly available |
| Education | Bachelor of Science and Master of Engineering from Cornell University |
Early Life and Education
John Henry Harris has a robust educational foundation in engineering, having completed both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Engineering at Cornell University. His academic background laid the groundwork for a career deeply rooted in mechanical and aerospace engineering. During his time at Cornell, Harris was involved in various research projects, including developments in autonomous systems and energy-efficient robotics, which significantly shaped his approach to engineering and leadership in technology.
Career and Notable Achievements
John Harris's professional journey is marked by several noteworthy accomplishments spanning various roles and industries:
- Harbinger Motors: As CEO and Co-Founder since 2021, Harris has overseen the company's growth in the electric vehicle sector, focusing on medium-duty vehicle electrification.
- Anduril Industries (2018-2020): Served as Head of Sentry Tower Hardware and Principal Mechanical Engineer, leading projects related to defense technology.
- Xos Trucks (2017-2018): Managed High Voltage Battery Systems, contributing to advancements in battery technology.
- Faraday Future (2016-2017): Worked as a Senior Mechanical Engineer in battery systems design.
- The Walt Disney Company (2014-2016): Engaged in product design engineering.
- Boeing (2011-2014): Harris contributed to aerospace structures design and led significant engineering efforts during his tenure.
Harris has also published research and holds several patents in energy systems and power management for various electronic applications.
Current Work and Impact
As of 2025, John Harris continues to lead Harbinger Motors as CEO, guiding the company's strategic direction in the electric vehicle industry. His leadership is influential in reducing the environmental impact of medium-duty vehicles through innovation in electric chassis platforms. Harbinger's recent funding success and partnerships with major corporations like FedEx emphasize Harris's vision for a sustainable transportation future, highlighting his commitment to advancing electric mobility's role in addressing climate change and urban pollution challenges.
Conclusion
John Henry Harris is a prominent figure in the engineering and electric vehicle industries, recognized for his innovative leadership at Harbinger Motors. Under his guidance, the company has made significant strides in modernizing medium-duty vehicle electrification, contributing to sustainability and performance improvements. Looking ahead, Harris's impact is likely to expand as Harbinger continues to push the boundaries of electric vehicle technology, potentially shaping industry standards and contributing to a cleaner, more efficient transportation landscape.