Are automakers teaming up on their electric cars to compete with Tesla?

Honda and GM recently announced plans to codevelop “a series of affordable electric vehicles based on a new global architecture using next-generation Ultium battery technology.” 

Above: A look at GM's Ultium battery (Source: GM)

The two automakers have been working together on electric and autonomous vehicle technologies for some time—in 2018, Honda joined GM’s battery module development efforts, and in 2020, they announced plans to codevelop two EVs, including the Honda Prologue and an Acura electric SUV.

Now they say they will work together “to enable global production of millions of EVs starting in 2027, including compact crossover vehicles, leveraging the two companies’ technology, design and sourcing strategies.” The pair will also work toward standardizing equipment and processes, and will discuss future battery technology collaboration opportunities.

“GM and Honda will share our best technology, design and manufacturing strategies to deliver affordable and desirable EVs on a global scale,” said GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra.  “By working together, we’ll put people all over the world into EVs faster than either company could achieve on its own.”

“Honda and GM will build on our successful technology collaboration to help achieve a dramatic expansion in the sales of electric vehicles,” said Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe.

“Our collaboration with Honda and the continuing development of Ultium are the foundation of this project, utilizing our global scale to enable a lower cost foundation for this new series of EVs for millions of customers,” said GM Executive VP Doug Parks. “Our plans include a new all-electric product for North America positioned at a price point lower than the upcoming Chevrolet Equinox EV, building on the two million units of EV capacity the company plans to install by the end of 2025.”

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This article originally appeared in Charged. Author: Charles Morris. Source: GM