U.S. automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM) General Motors and Japanese OEM giant Honda plant to co-develop a series of affordable electric vehicles (EVs) based on GM’s Ultium battery technology.
GM introduced its Ultium battery technology in early 2021 when it also said it would phase out sales of gas- and diesel-powered engine vehicles in favor of new EV models by 2040.
The companies will work together to enable global production of millions of EVs starting in 2027 including compact crossover vehicles. The companies will also work toward standardizing equipment and processes to achieve higher throughput and greater affordability. Compact crossovers are the largest vehicle segment in the world with volumes of more than 13 million vehicles.
GM and Honda will also discuss future EV battery technology collaboration opportunities to drive down the costs of electrification, improve performance and drive sustainability for future vehicles. This could include new technologies such as lithium-metal, silicon and solid-state batteries. Honda has recently made progress on its all-solid-state battery technology that could be the core element of future EVs. Additionally, new production methods to develop these new battery cell manufacturing processes will be engineered.
Plans include development of a new all-electric product for North America at a price point lower than the upcoming Chevrolet Equinox EV, building on the 2 million units of EV capacity the company plans to install by the end of 2025, GM said.
“GM and Honda will share our best technology, design and manufacturing strategies to deliver affordable and desirable EVs on a global scale, including our key markets in North America, South America and China,” said Mary Barra, GM chair and CEO. “This is a key step to deliver on our commitment to achieve carbon neutrality in our global products and operations by 2040 and eliminate tailpipe emissions from light duty vehicles in the U.S. by 2035. By working together, we’ll put people all over the world into EVs faster than either company could achieve on its own.”
Both companies have made plans to reach carbon neutrality on a global basis by 2050, which requires driving down the cost of EVs and making EV ownership possible for all consumers.
The collaboration continues the close working relationships between Honda and GM including several projects focused on EV and autonomous vehicle technologies. In 2013, the two companies worked on fuel cell system and hydrogen storage technologies. In 2018, Honda joined GM’s EV battery module development efforts and in 2020 the companies planned to co-develop two EVs including the Honda Prologue that will be launched in 2024, followed by Acura’s first EV SUV.
