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Honda's Ohio EV Hub Pioneers Flexible Vehicle Manufacturing Approach
Honda has provided an update on its progress in establishing the Honda EV Hub in Ohio. This facility will allow for the production of petrol, hybrid-electric, and battery electric vehicles on the same manufacturing line. The first electric vehicle (EV) to be produced at this hub will be based on the Acura Performance EV Concept, which debuted during the 2024 Monterey Car Week. Production is set to begin in late 2025.
Significant retooling efforts are already underway at the Marysville Auto Plant, East Liberty Auto Plant, and Anna Engine Plant. These efforts include installing six 6,000-ton high-pressure die cast machines at the Anna Engine Plant for megacasting cases for the Intelligent Power Unit (IPU). The IPU houses the EV battery and forms part of the vehicle platform. This megacasting capability is a new development for Honda globally.
Honda's transformation focuses on creating a flexible production environment that can handle petrol, hybrid, and electric vehicles simultaneously. The Marysville Auto Plant is consolidating two vehicle production lines into one to facilitate this transition. Additionally, it is preparing for sub-assembly of the IPU that will power EVs made at the Honda EV Hub.
The associates at Marysville will combine battery modules from L-H Battery, Inc., a joint venture between Honda and LG Energy Solution, with IPU cases made at Anna Engine Plant. This collaboration aims to produce mid- and large-size IPUs for various vehicles manufactured at Marysville and East Liberty Auto Plants.
Honda is reimagining its approach to vehicle production by focusing on human-friendly and environmentally responsible processes. The company aims to reduce complexity on the main production line, allowing for process layouts that minimize walking required for associates. By optimizing parts delivery and staging areas, Honda is creating an associate-friendly environment that prioritizes quality, efficiency, and customer value.
"Our efforts in establishing the Honda EV Hub in Ohio are not focused simply on EV production but on fundamentally reimagining our approach to manufacturing," said Mike Fischer, executive chief engineer and Honda EV Hub lead. "Our EV Hub in Ohio is creating an approach to EV production that will serve as the foundation for Honda operations throughout North America and globally."
Investment in Electrification
In October 2022, Honda announced plans to invest $700 million in retooling its auto production facilities in Ohio. Additionally, Honda and LG Energy Solution committed $3.5 billion to a new joint venture battery facility. The overall investment is projected to reach $4.4 billion. The facility is expected to be completed by the end of 2024 with an annual capacity of approximately 40GWh.
The Acura Performance EV Concept represents a significant step forward in Acura's electrification strategy. This performance SUV was developed by Acura Design Studio in Los Angeles and previewed during Monterey Car Week last month. An all-new Acura model based on this concept will be produced at Marysville Auto Plant starting in late 2025.
Honda's Long-Term Vision
Honda aims to make battery-electric and fuel cell electric vehicles represent 100% of its vehicle sales by 2040. The role of the Honda EV Hub in Ohio is crucial in establishing expertise and experience for EV production across North America. Despite accelerating preparations for EV production, Honda plans to continue producing internal combustion engine (ICE) and hybrid-electric vehicles to meet ongoing customer demand.
The sustained success of ICE and hybrid-electric vehicle sales will support necessary investments in electrification. "By optimizing the flow of processes we're also making it easier for Honda associates to achieve the highest level of quality, efficiency and value for our customers," said Fischer.
History of Honda Manufacturing in America
Honda has been producing automobiles in America since November 1982 when it began operations at the Marysville Auto Plant. In 2022, over two-thirds of all Honda and Acura automobiles sold in the U.S were made domestically using both local and global parts. Cumulative auto production now exceeds 30 million vehicles.
Since establishing motorcycle production operations in Marysville, Ohio, in 1979, Honda has expanded its U.S manufacturing footprint significantly. Today, more than 23,000 U.S associates support operations across 12 manufacturing plants with an annual capacity exceeding 1.27 million automobiles among other products.
Cumulatively investing $19 billion into U.S manufacturing operations since inception—including over $3.6 billion within just five years—Honda collaborates with around 600 original equipment suppliers within America alone; purchasing approximately $492 billion worth of U.S-sourced parts since starting operations here.
Acura remains committed towards delivering expressive styling alongside innovative engineering built upon Precision Crafted Performance DNA through models like Integra TLX RDX MDX ZDX ADX among others—all manufactured within America using both domestic & globally sourced components ensuring high-performance standards across their lineup consistently maintained throughout each variant offered under this premium automotive brand umbrella today!
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