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Honda Begins $1 Billion EV Production Revolution in Ohio

Prime Highlights: 

Ohio will become Honda’s flagship EV production hub, with the Marysville plant producing both traditional vehicles, hybrids, and EVs on the same assembly line. 

Honda is incorporating innovative manufacturing processes, including “megacasting” technology to streamline vehicle production and lower costs. 

Key Background: 

Honda has initiated a significant transformation in its manufacturing operations with a $1 billion investment in Ohio, marking a pivotal shift towards electric vehicle (EV) production. The investment, which increased from an originally planned $700 million, includes the installation of advanced manufacturing technologies, including six “giga presses” and a new “cell” production system for electric vehicle battery cases. This move is part of Honda’s strategy to establish Ohio as its global EV production hub. 

The Ohio investment will support the company’s Marysville plant in its transition to produce not only traditional vehicles but also hybrids and EVs on the same assembly line. Honda’s North American battery-electric vehicle projects lead, Mike Fischer, emphasized that the Ohio facility would set the global standard for Honda’s EV production, influencing both technology and processes as the company scales up its EV production regionally and globally. 

Honda’s Ohio facilities, including a $3.5 billion battery plant, are central to its ambitious plans. The Marysville plant, which has a production capacity of approximately 220,000 vehicles annually, is slated to produce the first all-electric Acura RSX crossover later this year. This marks a key step as Honda expands its EV lineup in the U.S., which currently includes the Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX, produced in partnership with General Motors. 

To support the production of EV components, Honda is also installing six high-pressure die-cast machines at its Anna, Ohio engine complex. These machines, known for their megacasting capabilities, are designed to streamline production and reduce manufacturing costs by casting large, complex parts in a single piece, a technique popularized by Tesla. 

In addition, the company is implementing flexible “cell” zones for battery assembly at its Marysville plant, designed to enhance efficiency and minimize production delays. This innovative manufacturing approach is part of Honda’s broader commitment to reducing emissions and waste, with a focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility. With these investments, Honda aims to accelerate its transition to electric vehicles while continuing to meet its long-term environmental goals, including carbon neutrality by 2050 and exclusively selling zero-emissions vehicles by 2040.