GM Partners with Honda to Provide Batteries to 2 New Models
DETROIT – General Motors Co. today announced a partnership with Honda Motor to provide batteries for two new vehicles made by the Japanese automaker.
The Ultium batteries will be built at GM’s proposed battery plant, a joint venture with LG Chem, in Lordstown once it opens. Production is expected to begin in 2023.
“We have a terrific history of working closely with Honda, and this new collaboration builds on our relationship and like-minded objectives, said GM vice president of global product development Doug Parks in a statement.
Added Rick Schostek, vice president of American Honda Motor: “This collaboration will put together the strength of both companies, while combined scale and manufacturing efficiencies will ultimately provide greater value to customers. … This expanded partnership will unlock economies of scale to accelerate our electrification roadmap and advance our industry-leading efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
The vehicles will carry the Honda nameplate and are expected to be on the road in the United States and Canada in the 2024 model year. The two automakers have previously collaborated on GM’s autonomous vehicle unit, Cruise, in which Honda invested $750 million.
The Ultium battery is expected to have a range of 400-plus miles and charge for a 100-mile trip in 10 minutes, according to GM.
The Lordstown battery plant is a $2.3 billion investment by GM, part of the company’s larger five-year, $25 billion effort into developing electric-powered vehicles. On March 23, GM closed on its purchased of 158 acres along state Route 45 in Lordstown for the plant, a $5.1 million transaction.
Before construction can start – a groundbreaking was initially scheduled for April or May – GM is awaiting approval for environmental and building permits.
Pictured: Battery packs developed by General Motors. Image via General Motors
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