A aposta bilionária da General Motors ao desenvolver uma nova plataforma para veículos elétricos e o sistema de baterias Ultium está dando os primeiros frutos. A fabricante norte-americana fez uma parceria com a Honda, colaborando no desenvolvimento de dois novos carros elétricos para a marca japonesa usando estas tecnologias.
O acordo é uma continuação do relacionamento que as duas construíram desde o começo de 2012, quando iniciaram uma aliança para desenvolver sistemas de células de combustível a hidrogênio. A parceria foi progredindo com o tempo, como com a colaboração para criar a tecnologia de carro autônomo com a Cruise.
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Embora a motorização seja composta pela tecnologia de EVs da GM, o resto dos veículos será feito pela Honda. Então, embora a plataforma flexível para veículos elétricos seja formulada especificamente para um número de automóveis, a Honda irá desenhar e construir tanto a carroceria quanto o interior.
A arquitetura elétrica da GM pode ser usada de diversas formas, com tração dianteira, traseira ou integral. As baterias podem ser configuradas em suportes, com capacidade entre 50 a 200 kWh. Neste caso, esperamos que a Honda escolhe usar 100 kWh ou menos. A GM deve usar o conjunto de 200 kWh no SUV GMC Hummer.
Considerando que a Honda só oferece um carro elétrico atualmente, o adorável Honda e, acreditamos que estes dois novos veículos serão crossovers de tamanhos distintos. O comunicado enviado à imprensa menciona que a colaboração pode seguir além destes dois primeiros carros. Devido a escala dos vários componentes envolvidos, o mais provável é que continuem trabalhando juntas.
Além da tecnologia, os carros elétricos também terão o sistema OnStar da GM, que será integrado ao HondaLink. Curiosamente, o comunicado menciona que a Honda também irá utilizar "tecnologia avançada de assistência ao motorista" da GM. Apesar de ser só uma descrição, esta tecnologia deve ser o Super Cruise, um sistema autônomo que a fabricante de Detroit só está usando na Cadillac, mas que deve levar a outros modelos a partir do ano que vem, começando com o Chevrolet Bolt EUV.
General Motors and Honda to Jointly Develop Next-Generation Honda Electric Vehicles Powered by GM’s Ultium Batteries
Builds on GM’s proven advanced technology relationship with Honda
Honda will develop unique interior and exterior designs for Honda customers
EVs will be produced on GM’s flexible global EV platform to increase
scale and capacity utilization
DETROIT and TORRANCE, Calif. General Motors and Honda have agreed to jointly develop two all-new electric vehicles for Honda, based on GM’s highly flexible global EV platform powered by proprietary Ultium batteries. The exteriors and interiors of the new EVs will be exclusively designed by Honda, and the platform will be engineered to support Honda’s driving character.
Production of these Honda electric vehicles will combine the development expertise of both companies, and they will be manufactured at GM plants in North America. Sales are expected to begin in the 2024 model year in Honda’s United States and Canadian markets.
GM and Honda have an ongoing relationship around electrification. This includes work on fuel cells and the Cruise Origin, an electric, self-driving and shared vehicle, which was revealed in San Francisco earlier this year. Honda also joined GM’s battery module development efforts in 2018.
“This collaboration will put together the strength of both companies, while combined scale and manufacturing efficiencies will ultimately provide greater value to customers,” said Rick Schostek, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “This expanded partnership will unlock economies of scale to accelerate our electrification roadmap and advance our industry-leading efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
“We are in discussions with one another regarding the possibility of further extending our partnership,” Schostek said.
According to Doug Parks, GM executive vice president of Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain, “This agreement builds on our proven relationship with Honda, and further validates the technical advancements and capabilities of our Ultium batteries and our all-new EV platform.
“Importantly, it is another step on our journey to an all-electric future and delivering a profitable EV business through increased scale and capacity utilization. We have a terrific history of working closely with Honda, and this new collaboration builds on our relationship and like-minded objectives.”
As part of the agreement to jointly develop electric vehicles, Honda will incorporate GM’s OnStar safety and security services into the two EVs, seamlessly integrating them with HondaLink. Additionally, Honda plans to make GM’s hands-free advanced driver-assist technology available.
General Motors (NYSE: GM) is a global company committed to delivering safer, better and more sustainable ways for people to get around. General Motors, its subsidiaries and its joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Holden, Baojun, and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety and security services, and Maven, its personal mobility brand, can be found at http://www.gm.com.
Honda Motor Co. (NYSE: HMC), Honda designs, manufactures and markets automobiles, motorcycles, power products and aviation products worldwide. A global leader in powertrain and electromotive technologies, Honda produces nearly 28 million engines annually for its three product lines. Honda and its partners build products in more than 60 manufacturing plants in 27 countries, employing more than 208,000 associates globally.