Will we be seeing affordable electric vehicles in showrooms soon? A collaboration between Honda and General Motors means EV shoppers with smaller budgets may have more options in the future.
What Makes this EV Announcement Different
New electric vehicle announcements feel like a weekly occurrence. However, Rick Schostek, Honda Executive Vice President of Corporate Services, notes that this time it’s different.
The maker of innovative and segment-leading vehicles like the Honda Ridgeline, Civic, and CR-V wants to expand its lead over rival automakers in zero-emission innovation. Teaming up with GM allows both companies to combine their strengths to develop a new line of budget-friendly electric vehicles.
“Of course, staying at the top of this list in the future will require a change from a ‘power train’ to a ‘drive train,’” noted Schostek. “That’s where our global strategy to embrace technology alliances comes in. Our relationship with GM, which made a bold commitment to become a 100% EV brand, is one way in which we are accelerating this electrified future.”
Easing EV Sticker Shock
This partnership comes as major automakers have committed to transitioning their vehicle lineups to all-electric over the next decade. But affordability remains a sticking point for many consumers, even when factoring in incentives such as federal tax credits.
“Our unique proposition is to leverage the strengths of our two companies to drive down the cost of electric vehicles, making it possible for the greatest number of customers to purchase an EV globally, as well as in North America, to purchase an EV,” Schostek said in his statement.
Combining and Leveraging Strengths
The focus of this collaboration is on the General Motors Ultium EV platform, which will underpin this next generation of electric vehicles. It also draws on the automakers’ massive production capabilities.
“We plan to leverage these strengths to achieve a dramatic expansion in the sales of affordable, compact electric vehicles. The foundation of this collaboration is the strength of the relationship between GM and Honda, and the comfort level we have in joint development projects based on successful collaboration in other advanced technology projects focused on electric and autonomous vehicles.”
What About EVs Already in Production?
This, of course, isn’t the first collaboration between the automakers. They began working together in 2020, co-developing two electric vehicles: the Honda Prologue and the first-ever Acura EV SUV. Both vehicles are slated to launch in 2024.
So, where will these new EVs fit in the Honda lineup? Schostek didn’t elaborate on which upcoming vehicles will be based on the Ultium platform and which will continue using Honda’s e:Architecture.
“What I can tell you is that our offerings will align with our customers’ and dealers’ expectations in North America and other markets where they will be introduced,” said Schostek.
When Will They Be Available?
You have time to set aside your down payment on these new EVs. They should start appearing in North American showrooms starting in 2027.
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