Honda And GM Announce Shared EV Platform, First Model Arrives In 2027

Honda and General Motors will expand their electric vehicle collaboration to introduce a series of new models that will arrive in 2027 in North America. These vehicles will share a new global platform that will use GM’s Ultium battery technology.

The automaker hinted that at least one of these upcoming EVs would be a compact crossover, which isn’t surprising given the segment’s popularity. They plan to produce vehicles that share this new platform globally. By pursuing the use of standardized equipment and assembly processes, companies want to have greater economies of scale, which means increased affordability.

“GM and Honda will share our best-in-class technology, design and manufacturing strategies to deliver affordable and desirable EVs on a global scale, including our key markets in North America, South America and China,” said Mary Barra, GM chairman and CEO.

This isn’t the beginning of the Honda and GM collaboration, and neither is it likely the end. The brand also discussed the possibility of collaborating on an EV battery. Their announcement claims this will “further lower the cost of electrification.”

Both companies are developing solid-state batteries. Honda has a demonstration assembly line for them in Japan that is being developed to allow for mass production. GM is also working on lithium-metal and silicon packages.

Honda previously announced plans to build an electric crossover using GM’s Ultium platform and batteries. The company calls the model the Prolog, and it goes on sale in early 2024. A Acura premium version This model is also on its way.

GM is allegedly going to build the model. Production of the Honda-branded product will take place at the automaker’s plant in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico, where it manufactures vehicles such as the Chevrolet Blazer and Equinox. Acura is said to be coming from Tennessee.

Honda is also a partner in the GM Cruise Automation program to work on large-scale deployment of autonomous vehicles. In 2018, the Japanese automaker pledged a $2 billion investment over 12 years, plus a $750 million equity investment.