While battery electric vehicles (BEVs) might be the preferred technology in electric vehicles (EVs) today, carmakers are still exploring alternative forms of electric propulsion, such as fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). Honda is one such carmaker, and it has announced that it will repurpose one of its existing powertrain production plants to manufacture its next-generation fuel cells.
The Japanese carmaker aims to commence operations at its repurposed powertrain unit factory in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan, by March 31st, 2028. The facility ceased production of automobile powertrain components in October 2024.
This new facility will be the first dedicated to producing Honda’s independently developed fuel cell system. Equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, it aims to achieve high-efficiency and high-quality production, with an annual capacity of 30,000 units.
Honda is expected to receive a government subsidy from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) to support the production of next-generation fuel cell systems, including the establishment of the first-of-the-kind plant. This subsidy aligns with Japan’s carbon neutrality goals for 2050.
The new plant will support four key domains where Honda envisions fuel cell technology plays a crucial role: FCEVs, commercial vehicles, stationary power stations, and construction machinery.
According to a report by autoblog, Honda has announced a partnership with General Motors (GM) earlier this year to produce fuel cells at GM’s plant in Michigan, US.
Developed through this partnership, a hydrogen-powered Honda CR-V was launched in California in early 2024. The collaboration with GM has reduced the cost of fuel cells by one-third compared to those fitted in the Honda Clarity.
As one of the early pioneers in fuel cell research, Honda aims to leverage on the fuel cell technology to secure a five percent share of the hydrogen-powered truck market by 2030, with aspirations to increase this to 30% by 2040.
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Closer to home, Honda has previewed the Honda e:N1 during this year’s Kuala Lumpur international Mobility Show (KLIMS 2024), slated to be launched in Malaysia next year, in 2025.
Essentially a fully electric version of the Honda HR-V, the Honda e:N1 is powered by a front-mounted electric motor making 204 hp (150 kW) and 310 Nm, supplemented by a 68.8 kWh battery pack providing a WLTP-rated range upwards of 412 km.
RELATED: Honda e:N1 – The HR-V’s electric cousin is coming to Malaysia in 2025!
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