GM and Honda have started production of hydrogen fuel cell systems at the manufacturing facility of their 50-50 partnership, Fuel Cell System Manufacturing LLC (FCSM) – the first large-scale production partnership to build fuel cells.
The 70,000-square-foot facility has already created 80 jobs since it was first established in Michigan in January 2017, based on a joint investment of $85 million (€99m/£72.3m). The world-class hydrogen energy solutions being built at FCSM from January will be used by both companies in various product applications and commercial ventures.
GM and Honda are the first complete fuel cell manufacturing partnership to begin volume production of fuel cells for transportation and beyond: “We started the process with raw materials for the membrane and electrode all the way through to complete systems. The continued investment and commitment of both companies is driving our success at FCSM. This commitment aligns with our mission to manufacture high-quality, durable and affordable hydrogen fuel cell systems for a wide range of applications and customers.”
“We have integrated the strengths of Honda and GM to create the most capable production system in this joint venture,” said Tetsuo Suzuki, vice president of FCSM. “We brought a mass production mentality with attention to detail and a focus on high quality, and now we are ready to meet customer needs for the future applications of fuel cell technology and the dawn of the hydrogen age.”
Honda and GM engineers began working in 2013 on the co-development of the next-generation fuel cell system. In addition to improving performance, the companies collaborated to double durability compared to the 2019 Honda Clarity fuel cell by using corrosion-resistant materials and improving low-temperature operation.
Together, the two companies also focused on reducing development and manufacturing costs by taking advantage of economies of scale, advancing cell design, simplifying auxiliary support equipment, using common sources and reducing the use of expensive precious metals. Manufacturing the new fuel cell systems will therefore be two-thirds cheaper than the 2019 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell.
Significant efforts have also been made at FCSM to ensure the highest levels of quality while improving manufacturing productivity. The venture incorporates many pioneering methods to automate the production of membrane electrode assembly and fuel cell stack assembly.
The Fuel Cell System is a key part of Honda’s ambitious “Triple Action for Zero” approach to its overall goal of zero environmental impact by 2050, not only through its products, but also through its entire life cycle, including business activities.
Carbon neutrality for all Honda products and business activities by 2050.
Circulation of resources – The use of 100% sustainable materials to create a circular economy will allow Honda to recycle or reuse all the materials in its vehicles, reprocess them back into raw materials and reuse them in the creation of new products.
Use of clean, renewable energy, including electrification and hydrogen.
Honda will expand the applications of the new fuel cell system beyond FCEVs to various internal and external applications, thus serving to stimulate demand for hydrogen and facilitate society’s carbon neutrality through its use.
Honda Motor Europe debuted a prototype of the next-generation hydrogen fuel cell system at the European Hydrogen Week in Brussels in November 2023. During the five-day event, it received more than 100 inquiries from visitors from various industries in the region.
Honda aims to stimulate demand for hydrogen by expanding its application to products and companies, focusing on four application areas, including FCEVs and commercial vehicles, stationary power plants and construction machinery.
“The interest in the next generation fuel cell system was incredible when it was presented in Brussels,” says Ingo Nyhues, Deputy General Manager, Planning and Business Development Europe, Honda Motor Europe. “Hydrogen, as an energy carrier, is ideal for a multitude of industries and they are giving back, with many new opportunities, potential partnerships and avenues presenting themselves. Fuel cell systems are a key component in our journey towards a zero environmental impact future and can help a range of industries achieve their own goals.”