The two automakers – General Motors and Honda will work together to create two new electric vehicles that will go on sale in 2024, the latest step in their ongoing relationship.
The automakers will concentrate on their individual fields of competence under the strategy. The electric-powered vehicles’ exteriors and interiors will be created by Honda, and GM will provide its Ultium batteries and new electric vehicle architecture. 19 various battery and drive-unit configurations are possible with this complete redesign, which GM introduced last month to highlight its EV intentions. Large-format pouch battery cells made as a result of a joint venture between LG Chem and GM are included in the design.
The automobiles will have GM’s OnStar security and protection equipment and will bear the Honda nameplate. Additionally offered in the new cars is GM’s hands-free Super Cruise sophisticated driver assistance system.
The cars will be manufactured at GM facilities in North America. The 2024 model year is when Honda’s U.S. and Canadian markets are anticipated to start selling cars.
As per Rick Schostek, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., the goal is to leverage the capabilities of both businesses to open upscale advantages for electric vehicles. He also stated that the two organizations are already in talks about further extending their relationship.
To create hydrogen fuel cell technology, GM and Honda formed a strategic alliance in July 2013. This collaboration has resulted in the issuance of almost 1,200 patents. To manufacture hydrogen fuel cell systems, the automakers established a joint venture in 2017 named Fuel Cell System Manufacturing LLC. According to GM, production should start this year when FCSM installs the production machinery for their first high-volume fuel cell production plant in Brownstown, Michigan.
Honda made a $2.75 billion commitment as a result of a confidential deal with GM and its self-driving technology business Cruise to create and produce a new category of an autonomous vehicle when GM purchased Cruise in 2016. On January 21, the company unveiled Cruise Origin, its first EV, a self-driving, shareable automobile.