The agreement covers new advanced chemistry battery components, including the cell and module, that will for higher energy density, smaller packaging and faster charging capabilities for both companies' future products, mainly for the North American market.
Honda will design the GM technology into its vehicles, and the two companies see the combined scale and global manufacturing efficiencies as reducing costs. Honda also has a deal with Nissan to develop solid state lithium batteries and is setting up its own lithium ion battery manufacturing plant in India. It sources lithium batteries in Japan from Blue Energy, a joint venture formed in 2009 with GS Yuasa.
"This new, multiyear agreement with Honda further demonstrates General Motors' capability to innovate toward a profitable electric portfolio," said 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."
GM and Honda already have a joint venture to produce an advanced hydrogen fuel cell system 'in the 2020 timeframe'. The integrated development teams are working to deliver a more affordable commercial solution for fuel cell and hydrogen storage systems.
"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.
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