Honda Motor has announced its plans to construct an $11 billion electric vehicle (EV) hub in Ontario, Canada. The Japanese automaker aims to create a “comprehensive EV value chain,” which will include new assembly and battery plants, as well as other facilities to support the production of all-electric and fuel cell-powered vehicles. The investment is expected to greatly assist Honda in achieving its goal of exclusively offering EVs and fuel cell-powered vehicles by 2040.
Despite the slower-than-expected adoption of EVs by consumers, Honda believes that this investment is necessary for future increases in EV demand in North America. The battery plant, capable of producing 36 gigawatt hours per year, will be a crucial component of the EV hub. This project is also expected to create around 1,000 new jobs, adding to the 4,200 employees Honda currently has in Ontario.
The announcement of this investment comes as a surprise to industry experts and investors, considering that several automakers have recently scaled back their plans for all-electric vehicles. However, Honda remains committed to its EV strategy and sees this investment as a long-term opportunity.
The Canadian government is also supporting Honda’s investment, providing upwards of CA$2.5 billion in tax credits and other incentives. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau emphasized the significance of this investment, stating that it is the largest ever for Canada’s automotive industry.
This investment in Canada follows Honda’s confirmation last year of a $4.4 billion investment for a new U.S. battery plant in Ohio. Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe expressed the company’s commitment to establishing a comprehensive EV value chain in North America, with the support of the governments of Canada and Ontario.
Honda is currently in the process of evaluating the scope of its investment and conducting negotiations with its joint venture partners. The company expects to finalize its plans over the next six months.
Overall, Honda’s announcement of an $11 billion investment in an EV hub in Canada demonstrates its dedication to the future of electric mobility. By establishing a comprehensive EV value chain, Honda aims to position itself as a leader in the EV market and contribute to the growth of the automotive industry in Canada. With government support and a focus on long-term EV demand, Honda is taking significant steps towards achieving its goal of exclusively offering EVs and fuel cell-powered vehicles by 2040.
 hub in Ontario, Canada, as part of its goal to exclusively offer EVs and fuel cell-powered vehicles by 2040. The investment will include new assembly and battery plants and is expected to create around 1,000 new jobs. Despite the slower adoption of EVs, Honda remains committed to its strategy and sees this investment as a long-term opportunity. The Canadian government is also providing significant support, making this the largest ever investment in Canada's automotive industry. With this investment, Honda aims to position itself as a leader in the EV market and contribute to the growth of the automotive industry in Canada.){kind=link}