Honda Charges Up Its Electric Game With Joint Motor Company

Steph Willems
by Steph Willems

Following early technological success in the electric car field, Honda entered the 21st century with a newfound aim to place hybrid vehicles in the driveways of global carbuyers. While rival Toyota’s hybrids have garnered the most headlines and sales, no one can criticize Honda (CR-Z notwithstanding) for the continued refinement of its electrified powertrains. Just look at the most recent Accord Hybrid or Acura’s growing list of performance-oriented multi-motor products.

Still, as fully electric vehicles began emerging on the scene, Honda found itself lagging behind. The Clarity EV, an electric version of its second-generation fuel cell vehicle, arrives this summer with a paltry 80-mile range. However, we’re promised much more in the year ahead.

As it moves forward with its EV plans, Honda also wants to have a stake in the supply of EV components to automakers — namely, electric motors. As of today, Honda and partner Hitachi have a name for their joint venture: Hitachi Automotive Motor Systems Limited.

Following a joint agreement signed in March, each company has put up 5 billion yen ($44.1 million) towards the creation of the new business. Located on the premises of Hitachi’s existing Japanese automotive systems operation, Honda claims the facility is devoted to the “development, manufacture and sales of motors for electric vehicles.”

The automaker’s 49-percent share means Hitachi gets the naming glory.

“The new company will respond to the growing global demand from automakers for electric vehicle motors by developing competitive motors that combine the expertise of the two companies,” Honda stated in a news release this morning. It’s naturally assumed Honda’s product line will become a destination for the company’s motors.

When will Hitachi Automotive Motor Systems Limited produce its first marketable product? At this early point, there’s no word on timelines. Honda has set a goal for two-thirds of its fleet to offer alternative fuel propulsion by 2030, and has promised two new EVs for 2018 — one destined only for China, the other a global model. Presumably, the global model should possess a competitive range. These days, that means meeting the 200-plus-mile capability of the Tesla Model 3 and Chevrolet Bolt.

[Image: Honda]

Steph Willems
Steph Willems

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  • Manic Manic on Jul 04, 2017

    Honda needs to fire their head-designer and every lower level designer who thinks cars like new Civic or that Clarity atrocity look great.

  • NeilM NeilM on Jul 06, 2017

    Because Honda brings its Formula 1 track record with hybrids to the table. /s

  • TCowner We've had a 64.5 Mustang in the family for the past 40 years. It is all original, Rangoon Red coupe with 289 (one of the first instead of the 260), Rally Pac, 4-speed, factory air, every option. Always gets smiles and thumbs ups.
  • ToolGuy This might be a good option for my spouse when it becomes available -- thought about reserving one but the $500 deposit is a little too serious. Oh sorry, that was the Volvo EX30, not the Mustang. Is Volvo part of Ford? Is the Mustang an EV? I'm so confused.
  • Mikey My late wife loved Mustangs ..We alway rented one while travelling . GM blood vetoed me purchasing one . 3 years after retirement bought an 08 rag top, followed by a 15 EB Hard top, In 18 i bought a low low mileage 05 GT rag with a stick.. The car had not been properly stored. That led to rodent issues !! Electrical nightmare. Lots of bucks !! The stick wasn't kind to my aging knees.. The 05 went to a long term dedicated Mustang guy. He loves it .. Today my garage tenant is a sweet 19 Camaro RS rag 6yl Auto. I just might take it out of hibernation this weekend. The Mustang will always hold a place in my heart.. Kudos to Ford for keeping it alive . I refuse to refer to the fake one by that storied name .
  • Ajla On the Mach-E, I still don't like it but my understanding is that it helps allow Ford to continue offering a V8 in the Mustang and F-150. Considering Dodge and Ram jumped off a cliff into 6-cylinder land there's probably some credibility to that story.
  • Ajla If I was Ford I would just troll Stellantis at all times.
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