Harbinger, an American manufacturer of medium-duty electric and hybrid vehicles, has taken a major step into the realm of software services by acquiring autonomous driving company Phantom AI. This acquisition, completed in November 2025, not only marks Harbinger's entry into software services but also creates a new revenue stream for the company. By expanding its offerings beyond commercial vehicles, Harbinger aims to tap into new segments and capitalize on the growing demand for autonomous driving solutions.
The deal, which was announced publicly, brings together two companies with complementary strengths. Phantom AI, with its 30-employee team operating in Mountain View, California, will continue to operate under co-founders Hyunggi Cho and Chan Kyu Lee, who bring a wealth of experience from their previous roles at Tesla and Hyundai respectively.
As part of the acquisition, Harbinger has secured a licensing agreement with ZF Group's Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) business unit for passenger cars. This partnership will see Phantom AI's computer vision technology integrated into ZF's ADAS products, while also enabling the development of more advanced autonomous capabilities.
The integration of Phantom AI's computer vision technology into Harbinger's electric and hybrid vehicles is expected to deliver Level 2 autonomous solutions to the medium-duty segment in 2026. Features will include automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, and emergency lane support – technologies already present in passenger vehicles but largely absent from medium-duty fleets.
According to John Harris, co-founder and CEO of Harbinger, 'Our acquisition of Phantom AI and partnership with ZF are pivotal milestones for Harbinger as we expand beyond commercial vehicles and enter new segments for the first time.' The company's goal is to provide a more comprehensive technology-forward solution that includes robust ADAS capabilities and telematics to medium-duty vehicle segment and beyond.
This move by Harbinger underscores the growing importance of autonomous driving in the automotive industry. As fleets seek to reduce operational costs and improve safety, the integration of advanced driver assistance systems will become increasingly crucial.
The acquisition also highlights ZF's commitment to expanding its ADAS portfolio through partnerships with innovative companies like Phantom AI. 'This collaboration allows ZF to provide a broader selection of products and options at different values to our customers today while creating a path for future autonomous driving capabilities,' said Christopher Ludwig, vice president of procurement for ZF's Electronics & ADAS Division.
Harbinger trucks already boast advanced safety features such as backup cameras with dynamic trajectory, virtual bumpers, and acoustic vehicle alerting systems. The company's electric vehicles are positioned at acquisition cost parity with traditional diesel trucks, helping fleets achieve operational cost savings without substantial upfront premiums.
As Harbinger continues to integrate Phantom AI's technology into its vehicles, the medium-duty segment is poised to benefit from a more comprehensive suite of autonomous driving solutions. With this acquisition, Harbinger takes another significant step towards realizing its vision of a more connected and autonomous transportation ecosystem.
The acquisition of Phantom AI by Harbinger marks a significant milestone in the automotive industry's shift towards autonomous driving, with far-reaching implications for medium-duty fleets and passenger car manufacturers alike.
