Nissan Motor and Honda Motor have declared their intent to collaborate on basic research in the field of platforms for the next generation of software-defined vehicles (SDVs).
In order to encourage the growth and development of EVs, particularly SDVs, which are the subject of research in the fields of intelligence and electrification, both firms are investing in R&D and different technologies. Nissan and Honda will keep researching ways to further enhance their mutual benefits and will strive to quickly put certain initiatives into action.
Nissan and Honda are to collaborate on a next-generation SDV platform, conducting joint research on fundamental technologies. They aim to complete basic research in a year and, based on the results, consider the possibility of mass production development.
On the battery front, the two Japanese carmakers will consider the scope of cooperation from a short-term and medium- to long-term perspective. This includes sharing specifications and mutual supply. Bringing together the battery technologies and assets of both companies will enable offering a wide range of battery options, from high-output to low-cost models, as well as cost reduction effects through investment diversification and risk-hedging, and deliver the advantage of volume.
The two companies have reached a basic agreement to commonise the specifications of their battery cell modules for EVs from a medium- to long-term perspective, with the aim of enabling the batteries they plan to procure to be usable in vehicles from both companies. Honda and Nissan will study the supply of lithium-ion batteries for EVs manufactured by L-H Battery Company, Inc., a joint venture between Honda and LG Energy Solution, to Nissan in North America after 2028.
Also, the two companies have reached a basic agreement to commonise the specifications of their respective e-Axles, over the medium to long term, to be used in the next-generation EVs of both companies. The agreed first step is to share motors and inverters, the core of the e-Axle.
