Honda and GS Yuasa agree to collaborate in lithium-ion batteries

The two companies are planning to establish a joint venture company by the end of 2023 to produce li-ion batteries for global markets. 

Honda Motor and GS Yuasa International Ltd. have announced that they have reached a basic agreement toward collaboration for a high-capacity, high-output lithium-ion battery. The two companies are planning to establish a joint venture company by the end of 2023 to produce li-ion batteries for global markets. 

Speaking on the development, Toshihiro Mibe, Director, President and Representative Executive Officer of Honda Motor, said, “Honda is striving to realize carbon neutrality for all products and corporate activities Honda is involved in by 2050. Honda and GS Yuasa have already been working together on lithium-ion batteries for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and this new collaboration will further accelerate Honda’s electrification strategies toward the achievement of our carbon neutrality goal.”

“Based on our corporate philosophy of ‘Innovation and Growth,’ GS Yuasa has been taking on challenges to create energy technologies while assembling a broad range of knowledge and know-how related to batteries”, said Osamu Murao, President and Representative Director of GS Yuasa International. “Through this new collaboration with Honda, we will contribute to further diffusion of electric vehicles, offer enhanced comfort and peace of mind to customers worldwide and strive to create new value for the realization of carbon neutrality”, he further added.

Officials say the companies aim to develop a highly efficient production system. That includes setting up a supply chain for key materials. Honda has already tied up with battery makers overseas to secure stable supplies for its car production in the US and China.

The latest plan is to ensure stable procurement of batteries for its EV manufacturing in Japan.