Honda Motor Company is making significant upgrades to its electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing hub in Marysville, Ohio. The company is introducing flexible production systems that will allow internal combustion engine (ICE), hybrid-electric, and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) to be assembled on the same production lines.
The upgrades at the Marysville Auto Plant (MAP), the East Liberty Auto Plant (ELP), and the Anna Engine Plant (AEP) are expected to cost Honda more than US$1 billion. The new “Honda EV Hub” will commence production in late 2025, starting with the all-new Acura RSX EV. This will be followed by other EV models based on the Honda 0 SUV and Honda 0 Saloon prototypes unveiled at the Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January. Honda also introduced its new vehicle operating system (OS), ASIMO OS, for use in Honda 0 Series models.
Bob Schwyn, senior vice president at Honda Development & Manufacturing of America, stated, “The Honda EV Hub provides Honda with the flexibility to produce ICE, hybrid-electric, and EV models on the same production lines so we can quickly respond to shifting customer needs and market conditions. Beyond adding the capability to produce EVs, we completely reimagined our approach to manufacturing, transforming the Honda production environment with more human-friendly processes and sustainable manufacturing practices.”
Honda originally announced plans to establish the Honda EV Hub in Ohio in 2022 as part of its goal to transition entirely to zero-emission vehicles globally by 2040. In collaboration with South Korea’s LG Energy Solution, Honda plans to invest a total of US$4.4 billion in a new US-based EV battery manufacturing joint venture called L-H Battery Company. The plant, located in Ohio’s Fayette County, will have an annual production capacity of around 40 GWh, with production scheduled to begin in late 2025.
The upgrades and investments by Honda signify a significant shift towards electric vehicle production and sustainable manufacturing practices. The company’s commitment to flexible production systems and zero-emission vehicles reflects its dedication to meeting evolving customer needs and environmental goals. The future of Honda’s manufacturing in Ohio looks promising with the introduction of the Honda EV Hub and the joint venture with LG Energy Solution.
