TOKYO, Japan – Honda Motor Co. and GS Yuasa International have announced a collaboration to develop high-capacity, high-output lithium-ion batteries. The two companies have reached a basic agreement and will discuss specifics with the goal of establishing a joint venture company by the end of 2023.
According to the statement, the agreement is aimed at addressing the rapidly growing demand for batteries. The two companies will work together to develop lithium-ion batteries and battery production methods that will be competitive in the global market, as well as establishing a supply chain for key raw materials and a highly-efficient battery production system.
The collaboration will include research and development of a high-capacity, high-output lithium-ion battery, primarily for EV use, and the required production methods. The two companies will also work on establishing and managing intellectual properties, including patents related to the joint research and development. They will also plan for products that utilize technologies resulting from the joint research and development, and plan for the required sales channels. Additionally, the two companies will design an efficient production operation, including the supply chain for key raw materials.
Toshihiro Mibe, Director, President and Representative Executive Officer of Honda Motor Co. 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.”
Osamu Murao, President and Representative Director of GS Yuasa International said, “Based on our corporate philosophy of ‘Innovation and Growth,’ GS Yuasa has been taking on challenges to create energy technologies while amassing a broad range of knowledge and know-how related to batteries. 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.”
