Skip advert
Advertisement

Honda and GM to mass produce new hydrogen fuel cell system by 2020

Honda and General Motors join forces to set-up new Fuel Cell System Manufacturing LLC operation in Detroit

Honda FCV

 Honda and General Motors have announced fresh details regarding a joint venture to develop a new ‘advanced’ hydrogen fuel cell system, destined for use in future models from both brands. The companies have revealed mass production of the new fuel cell should begin “around 2020”. 

The operation will go under the name of Fuel Cell System Manufacturing LLC, and will be located within the site of General Motors’ existing battery pack manufacturing plant in Brownstown, Michigan, responsible for developing the batteries for cars like the Chevrolet Volt

Advertisement - Article continues below

• Hydrogen cars: new Government funding for fuel cell vehicles

The joint venture will almost double the plant’s number of employees, creating around 100 new jobs while representing a total investment of $85 million between the two companies.

GM and Honda joined forces over hydrogen in 2013 in a bid to keep development costs down by sharing expertise and hydrogen fuel-cell intellectual property. Toshiaki Mikoshiba, Honda’s North American CEO said: “Over the past three years, engineers from Honda and GM have been working as one team with each company providing know-how from its unique expertise to create a compact and low-cost next gen fuel system.

• Moments of clarity: Honda's greatest tech innovations

“This foundation of outstanding teamwork will now take us to the stage of joint mass production of a fuel cell system that will help each company create new value for our customers in fuel cell vehicles of the future.” 

The next generation fuel cell system promised by the two firms is designed to be cheaper and easier to manufacture. The fuel cell uses far fewer precious metals resulting in a lower cost system smaller and lighter than fuel cells before it. 

Last October, Auto Express reported that Honda and GM would develop a hydrogen fuel cell stack and tank, but not a complete car together. Honda also revealed that the two companies have been discussing possible technologies beyond the new fuel cell. 

Would you buy a hydrogen fuel cell car? Let us know below…

Skip advert
Advertisement

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

New 2026 Honda 0 SUV: Japanese brand to finally have an EV to rival Tesla and BYD
Auto Express senior staff writer Jordan Katsianis stood next to the Honda 0 SUV prototype

New 2026 Honda 0 SUV: Japanese brand to finally have an EV to rival Tesla and BYD

Honda EV plans are gathering momentum, and they’ll be realised in the groundbreaking 0 SUV next year
News
1 Jul 2025
Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond
New cars coming soon header image

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond

These are the most important new cars headed our way, from brands including Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more
Best cars & vans
23 Jun 2025
“World’s most efficient powertrain” to power 13 new Honda hybrid cars by 2030
Honda Jazz - front cornering

“World’s most efficient powertrain” to power 13 new Honda hybrid cars by 2030

The successors to the current Jazz supermini and Civic hatchback should be among those new models
News
5 Jun 2025
New Honda GT cars are the ultimate screenfest
Honda GT cars - front

New Honda GT cars are the ultimate screenfest

We counted no fewer than six screens on the dashboard of Honda’s new electric four-door
News
24 Apr 2025

Most Popular

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!
Skoda Octavia vRS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!

A three-time Auto Express Family Car of the Year winner, paired with Golf GTI power, is our Deal of the Day for 6 July
News
6 Jul 2025