The advanced components are set to deliver "higher energy density, smaller packaging and faster charging capabilities" for EVs.
Under the agreement, Honda will buy GM’s next generation battery system, which will accelerate both companies' plans for all-electric vehicles mainly for the North American market, a press release said.
"The collaboration will support each company's respective and distinct vehicles. The combined scale and global manufacturing efficiencies will ultimately provide greater value to customers," the press release added. However, no further particulars were provided so far regarding the technicalities of the components.
Mark Reuss, GM's executive vice president of global product development, purchasing and supply chain, said the “new, multiyear agreement with Honda further demonstrates General Motors’ capability to innovate toward a profitable electric portfolio".
"GM’s decades of electrification experience and strategic electric vehicle investments, alongside Honda’s commitment to advancing mobility, will result in better solutions for our customers and progress on our zero emissions vision," he added.
GM and Honda have already established a partnership around electrification, having formed the industry’s first manufacturing joint venture to produce an advanced hydrogen fuel cell system in the 2020 timeframe, according to the statement.
The integrated development teams are working to deliver a more affordable commercial solution for fuel cell and hydrogen storage systems, it said.
Honda’s chief officer for automobile operations and managing officer, Takashi Sekiguchi, said this battery component collaboration, in addition to their ongoing joint development and production of fuel cells, would enable the companies to take "a new step toward the realization of a sustainable society".
(Anadolu Agency, 08/06/2018)