Honda

The CAD 15 billion (US$11 billion) is the biggest auto investment in Canada’s history. Honda announces its historic plans to invest a whopping CAD 15 billion (US$11 billion) to strengthen its EV supply system and capability to cater to the future demand in North America (Canada). In fact, it aims to sell 100% BEVs and FCEVs by 2040 with this amount which also includes investments by its joint venture partners to create a comprehensive electric vehicle value chain in Canada. With this investment, Honda will construct an innovative and environmentally responsible Honda EV plant and a stand-alone Honda EV battery plant in Alliston, Ontario. You might also like: Honda 0 Series EVs Mark Brand’s Foray Into The Electric Future Honda To Invest $11 Billion In Canada EV Ecosystem The news comes after speculations of a slowdown in EV sales in the U.S. and China. Nevertheless, the IEA report determining the sales for 2024 suggests that EV sales could hit a record 17 million this year. In any case, such humungous initiatives by legacy carmakers like Honda spell positive signs for long-term sustainable future mobility solutions. In fact, the plan even includes a cathode active material and precursor (CAM/pCAM) processing plant through a joint venture partnership with POSCO Future M Co., Ltd. and a separator plant through a joint venture partnership with Asahi Kasei Corporation. The anticipated production commencement is from 2028 onwards. Once fully operational, the plant will be able to belt out 240,000 EVs annually. On the other hand, the EV battery plant will produce 36 GWh per year. Honda also believes that it will need to hire at least 1,000 new associates for the EV and EV battery manufacturing facilities in addition to the existing 4,200 associates currently at its two existing facilities in Ontario. To start electrification in North America, Honda chose Ohio as its EV production center. They’re upgrading their existing factories, putting $700 million into it. Plus, they’re teaming up with LG Energy Solution to build a new EV battery plant, planning to invest $4.4 billion. The Ohio EV hub will be the foundation of EV and EV battery production in North America and Honda expects EV production at the Marysville Auto Plant in late 2025. Honda Management Comments On this momentous occasion, Toshihiro Mibe, Global CEO of Honda said, “Honda is making progress in our global initiatives toward the realization of our 2050 carbon neutrality goal.  In North America, following the initiative to establish our EV production system capability in the U.S., we will now begin formal discussions toward the establishment of a comprehensive EV value chain here in Canada, with the support of the governments of Canada and Ontario. We will strengthen our EV supply system and capability with an eye toward a future increase in EV demand in North America.” You might also like: Upcoming Affordable Kia Electric EVs – EV2 and EV3 Learn Electric Cars Says North America is Honda’s largest market which is why it has such ambitious plans to enable a comprehensive and detailed transition from ICE cars to electric cars. This heavy investment points to the single-pointed focus on sustainable and green mobility solutions of the future. In comparison to the other carmakers, Honda is still lagging behind in this EV race. Sure, it had announced its 0 Series concept for the next couple of years. Still, there is nothing concrete and production-ready at the moment apart from Honda e. In 2022, Honda said it aims to make 30 new EVs and sell over 2 million each year by 2030. They’ve already started selling e:NS1 and e:NP1 in China and e:Ny1 in Europe. In 2024, they’re launching EV SUVs made with GM: Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX/Acura ZDX Type S in North America, and N-VAN e: in Japan. After 2024, Honda will keep making more EVs at a fast pace. Let us bear witness to the future of this ambitious investment strategy.

The Japanese automaker announced plans to launch two EVs under its 0 Series – Saloon and Space Hub. Honda has announced its arrival in the electric mobility space with two concept EVs under its 0 Series. It has also showcased its new ‘H’ mark at the CES 2024 which will exclusively represent its future EVs. The Japanese car marque will launch its first EV under the ‘0 Series’ in 2026 in North America. Other global markets including Japan, Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and South America will follow next. You might also like: Top 5 Upcoming Electric SUVs in 2024 – Part 2 Honda 0 Series EVs As per the official press release by Honda, the 0 Series will adopt a new approach – Thin, Light, and Wise – to offer five core values: Honda 0 Series – Saloon There aren’t too many details about either of these electric cars. But there is enough information to give us an idea of what to expect. Saloon will bear the low-slung sporty stance. The instrument panel features a human-machine interface (HMI) that facilitates straightforward and intuitive operations, achieving a sophisticated and seamless user interface (UI). With its thrilling visibility and user-friendly UI, the Saloon aims to deliver an enjoyable driving experience that aligns with the driver’s sensibility. Furthermore, the Honda Saloon is designed to let the driver have more control in different driving situations, thanks to technologies like steer-by-wire and advanced motion management. It’s part of Honda’s 0 Series and focuses on giving people the best driving experience with electric vehicles. The car also uses eco-friendly materials for both the inside and outside, making it a unique model that connects with users and cares for the environment. Honda plans to introduce Level 3 automated driving in their vehicles. They also aim to significantly reduce the time it takes to charge the car’s battery, from 15% to 80%, down to just 10-15 minutes. Additionally, they want to minimize battery wear and tear to less than 10% after 10 years of use, something quite uncommon in the industry. You might also like: 2024 Mercedes EQS and EQE Get All-New Braking, More Range Honda 0 Series – Space Hub Interestingly, the details regarding the Space Hub concept EV are even more scarce. But Honda claims that the cabin is spacious and adaptable with great visibility. The inside looks impressive, with two rows of seats facing each other, plenty of space in between, and blue lighting along the sides. The standout feature is the panoramic roof that covers the entire length of the car. Needless to mention, the design language is certainly futuristic. You might also like: Mercedes, BMW Exceed EPA Range in Real-World Test, Tesla Falls Short Learn Electric Cars Says While it might seem like Honda is late to jump onto the EV bandwagon, in the grand scheme of things, starting in 2026 is not too late. Sure, other legacy car brands and startups have already taken huge leaps in the last couple of years. Nevertheless, this is not a 100 m sprint, but rather a marathon for decades. As long as companies are ready to transition, we are certain that every carmaker will reach the finish line. Intriguingly, there might not be any particular endpoint. In fact, the process of metamorphosis, as per the changing times and technology, will carry on forever. We shall keep an eye out for further development in this domain as and when Honda reveals more.