General Motors and Honda have begun construction on their first joint venture to produce hydrogen fuel cells.
At the new fuel cell system manufacturing facility, the two companies will jointly develop technology for use in automobiles, heavy vehicles, ships, airplanes and other applications.
“This is a historic day for the industry as GM and Honda become the first complete fuel cell system manufacturing joint venture to begin mass production of fuel cells for transportation and other purposes,” FCSM President Suheb Haque said in a statement. ” he said. “This effort is consistent with our mission to create high-quality, durable, and affordable hydrogen fuel cell systems for a wide range of applications and customers.”
The announcement comes just months after the Biden administration announced it would commit $8 billion to building regional hydrogen hubs across the country. Designed to create a national clean hydrogen network, the hub will produce hydrogen that can be used for transport and energy supply.
Hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity through an electrochemical reaction when hydrogen combines with oxygen. Fuel cells are one of the cleanest forms of energy when made from renewable resources such as biogas or electrolysis, emitting only water.
“We have combined the strengths of Honda and GM to create the most capable production system in this joint venture,” Tetsuo Suzuki, vice president of FCSM, said in a statement. “We have introduced a high-volume manufacturing mindset with attention to detail and emphasis on high quality, and are now ready to meet customer needs for future applications of fuel cell technology and the beginning of the hydrogen era. it's finished.”
The joint venture between the two automakers dates back to 2013, when engineers from both companies began jointly developing next-generation fuel cells. By working together, both companies can reduce the costs of technology development and manufacturing through economies of scale, common sourcing of materials, and automation of various aspects of production.
The companies estimate that the new fuel system, which will be manufactured at the 70,000-square-foot factory, will cost one-third less than the fuel cell system used in 2019 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell vehicles.
Honda and GM are among a small list of automakers that have produced fuel cell vehicles. Honda has been working on this technology for 30 years. GM's history dates back to 1966, when he developed the first hydrogen-powered car. The Chevrolet Electrovan allowed him to travel 190 miles and had a top speed of 110 miles per hour.
In December, GM announced a joint development agreement with Autocar Industries to develop hydrogen-powered, zero-emissions occupational vehicles. Autocar's first hydrogen-fueled truck will use GM's Hydrotech Power Cube and is expected to begin production in 2026.
GM views hydrogen fuel cells as a key component of its overall electrification strategy, which to date has primarily consisted of battery electric vehicles. Chief Executive Officer Mary Barra said the company plans to phase out fossil fuel-powered vehicles by 2035.
Fuel cells are lighter than batteries and can be refueled much more quickly, allowing for faster filling, longer travel distances, and larger payloads.
On Thursday, Honda announced that its next-generation fuel cell system will help the company reach its goal of making all of its products and corporate activities carbon neutral by 2050. Honda plans to launch a hydrogen fuel cell version of its most popular SUV later this year. CR-V.
“This is not simply a matter of choosing between battery technology and hydrogen fuel cell technology, but the right choice in the right place, for the right purpose, to achieve carbon neutrality as quickly and efficiently as possible. energy sources,” said the vice president of American Honda Motor Company. Jay Joseph, President of Sustainability, said in a statement.
Honda believes that hydrogen can be used for a variety of purposes, including renewable energy generation, storage, backup power for electric utilities, and fuel for passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and construction equipment.
