Image source: Autoweek
Asian Tech Press (SEP 07) -- Japan's Honda Motor will bring its electric cars to the U.S. market and share over 50% of the vehicle components with General Motors, according to Nikkei.
The partnership is built on a mutually beneficial basis. Honda plans to provide GM with information about its electric vehicle platform, including the infrastructure for building electric vehicle bodies and key components. Honda is currently developing the e:Architecture platform for mid-size electric vehicles, which is expected to be launched in North America by 2030. GM will utilize the same platform while also sharing information on the development of its larger electric vehicles.
In addition, both companies will standardize motors, batteries, inverters and other key components by sharing an electric vehicle manufacturing platform. This collaboration will result in significant cost savings by ordering a large number of the same components.
Automakers are currently experiencing tight capacity in supply chains, while the epidemic's impact has exacerbated already fragile auto parts supply problems. It has also become critical for automakers to expand their electric vehicle production lines and keep costs low.
It is not the first time Honda and GM have partnered. In 2017, the two companies formed a joint venture in the U.S. dedicated to developing and producing hydrogen fuel cell systems. In addition, Honda invested in GM's subsidiary Cruise, with plans to work on autonomous driving services.
