What’s Happening: Honda has announced crucial steps in setting up its EV Hub in Ohio, which will spearhead the company’s shift to an electrified future in North America. The automaker will transform its Marysville Auto Plant (MAP), East Liberty Auto Plant (ELP), and Anna Engine Plant (AEP) to initiate the production of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in 2026.
Why It Matters: Honda’s move to establish an EV Hub in Ohio is an essential step towards achieving its goal of carbon neutrality for all products and corporate activities by 2050. It is also crucial to meet anticipated customer demand for BEVs in the coming years while maintaining employment stability across all locations during the transition.
Key Points:
- Honda will consolidate the production lines at MAP, where the transition to EV production will commence as early as January 2024. Every MAP associate will have a position as part of this transition.
- MAP associates will undergo training programs designed to prepare them for the skills required for EV production.
- Production of the Honda Accord will transfer to the Indiana Auto Plant (IAP) in 2025.
- AEP will transfer component production for two different generations of engines to the engine plant at the Alabama Auto Plant (AAP).
- Transmission Plant – Georgia (TMP-G) will partner with a Honda supplier to install a new line to build e-axles, an essential component of EVs.
- Honda and LG Energy Solution (LGES) recently held the groundbreaking ceremony for the new joint venture EV battery plant in Fayette County, Ohio.
- Honda plans to sustain current ICE and hybrid-electric vehicle production to continue meeting anticipated customer demand through 2030 and beyond.
Bottom Line: Honda’s announcement of key next steps in establishing its EV Hub in Ohio is a significant move towards achieving its goal of carbon neutrality and meeting customer demand for BEVs in North America. By transforming its production facilities, the automaker will gain valuable knowledge and expertise in EV production that will be shared across its entire North American auto production network.
