Recently, reporters learned from relevant sources that Honda and General Motors will collaborate in the field of pure electric vehicles. The two companies will develop new pure electric models based on GM's Ultium battery technology. It is understood that Honda will initially launch products under the Honda and Acura brands, with a range expected to reach 450 miles (724 kilometers).
Based on general-purpose Ultium battery technology
In August 2020, General Motors announced its BEV3 electric platform, Ultium battery technology, and SuperCruise intelligent driving system. Among these, Ultium battery technology is one of the most crucial technologies in this collaboration between GM and Honda. At its core, the Ultium battery uses a "pack-type" battery configuration, which features more refined design compared to traditional packs, eliminating 80% of the battery pack wiring. Furthermore, Ultium battery technology is available in 6, 8, 10, and 12-module configurations, corresponding to battery capacities from 50 kWh to 200 kWh. Simultaneously, the Ultium battery uses a new NMCA (nickel-manganese-cobalt-aluminum) compound, reducing the need for precious metals by 70%, significantly lowering battery costs. Therefore, from a practical use perspective, Ultium battery technology offers advantages such as flexible size/layout, space saving, large capacity, and low cost.
Both sides are eager to catch up and surpass the leader.
Looking at Honda's current product lineup, it boasts a rich variety of models in both gasoline and hybrid vehicles, with models like the Accord, Civic, Fit, and CR-V enjoying strong reputations and sales. However, in the pure electric vehicle sector, besides the X-VX and VE-1, Honda's latest model is the M-NV, and these three vehicles are essentially the same. Moreover, in terms of product capabilities, the M-NV, priced at nearly 150,000 yuan, has a maximum horsepower of 160 hp and a range of 480 kilometers. As a small SUV, the M-NV's price-performance ratio isn't particularly high. On the other hand, taking the Chinese market as an example, while GM's various brands have gasoline models covering sedans, SUVs, and MPVs, its pure electric vehicle offerings are limited to a handful, such as the Buick Velite 6 and Chevrolet Menlo. Therefore, given the limited product range and relatively weak product competitiveness of Honda and GM, collaborating on the development of new energy vehicles is a natural progression.
Based on information currently available to reporters, in the initial phase of the cooperation, Honda will launch one Honda-branded model and one Acura-branded model, with both new vehicles expected to be available to consumers in 2023 and 2024, respectively. It is understood that Honda will be responsible for vehicle design and tuning during the research and development and production of the new vehicles, while GM will supply the platform and battery technology, and will also contribute its Ramos Arispe plant in Mexico and its Spring Hill plant in Tennessee for production. Although GM has not yet revealed the specific new vehicles involved in the cooperation, given its previously announced plan of 30 pure electric vehicles over five years, it is certain that GM will also launch related new models during the cooperation period.
Automakers joining forces may become a major trend
From the perspective of the top ten automakers nationwide, this collaboration between Honda and GM is a powerful alliance, a joint effort to seize the global new energy vehicle market. Given the rapidly growing new energy vehicle industry, I believe that many other automakers will follow Honda and GM's example and launch new products through partnerships. The cooperative development between large automakers will further squeeze the survival space of emerging car manufacturers and smaller companies, leading to even fiercer competition in the new energy vehicle sector.
