General Motors and Honda have announced an agreement meant to bolster the all-electric vehicle portfolios of both companies. Engineers will be tasked with developing more advanced battery components, including the cell and module, for a next generation system that will return higher energy densities and faster charging times albeit in a smaller, lighter package.
Economies of Scale
The automakers will collaborate based on GM’s next generation battery system with the intent for Honda to source the battery modules from GM. Officials say the collaboration will support each company’s respective and distinct vehicles, while the combined scale and global manufacturing efficiencies will provide greater value to customers.
“This new, multiyear agreement with Honda further demonstrates General Motors’ capability to innovate toward a profitable electric portfolio,” explained Mark Reuss, General Motors Executive Vice President of Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain. “GM’s decades of electrification experience and strategic EV investments, alongside Honda’s commitment to advancing mobility, will result in better solutions for our customers and progress on our zero emissions vision.”
Forward Momentum
A previous joint manufacturing venture between GM and Honda is already well underway. Teams from both automakers are working to make fuel cells and hydrogen storage systems more viable and affordable, and are intending to produce such a system in or around 2020.
“In addition to our ongoing joint development and production of fuel cells, this battery component collaboration will enable us to take a new step toward the realization of a sustainable society,” said Takashi Sekiguchi, Chief Officer for Automobile Operations and Managing Officer of Honda.
With regard to future electrified vehicles, both companies say this most recent announcement concerns the North American market.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.
Source: General Motors, Honda Motor Company.
