Does Honda make their own car batteries?
Short answer: No. Honda does not manufacture its own automotive battery cells at scale; it sources cells from external suppliers and assembles packs for its vehicles through partnerships and contract manufacturers. This article explores how Honda secures battery cells, where those cells come from, and what that means for its electrified lineup.
How Honda sources battery cells
Honda relies on a diversified global supply network rather than operating in-house cell production. The company works with multiple battery manufacturers to secure cells and packs for different models and regions, adjusting partnerships to meet demand and regional regulations.
- Panasonic: A long-standing supplier of lithium-ion cells used across various Honda models and regions.
- LG Energy Solution: A major contributor to Honda’s battery supply, supporting several models and regional programs.
- CATL and other regional suppliers: Used in certain markets to meet local demand, regulatory requirements, and price considerations.
- Regional collaborations and future-focused programs: Honda participates in joint development efforts to pursue higher energy density and next-generation battery technologies, while relying on external cells for current production.
In practice, this arrangement means Honda concentrates on battery management systems, software integration, and vehicle design around the packs, while cell production itself remains the domain of specialized manufacturers.
Regional considerations and vehicle programs
Battery sourcing for Honda varies by region and model. In North America, for example, electrified models typically rely on a mix of externally produced cells and packs, with assembly sometimes handled by contract manufacturers or supplier sites. In Asia and Europe, the supplier mix is tailored to local partnerships, supply chains, and regulatory environments.
Recent developments and future outlook
Honda has emphasized ongoing collaboration with technology partners to advance next-generation battery concepts, including research into higher-energy-density cells and solid-state technology. While the company invests in R&D to broaden its battery technology portfolio, current mainstream EVs and hybrids predominantly use cells sourced from outside manufacturers rather than in-house cell production. This approach aligns with Honda’s electrification goals for the 2020s and 2030s, prioritizing scalable, reliable supply alongside continued innovation.
Summary
- Honda does not manufacture its own battery cells at scale; it sources cells from multiple specialized suppliers.
- The company relies on a diversified mix of suppliers (including Panasonic and LG Energy Solution) with regional variations to support its vehicles globally.
- Battery packs and integration are developed in-house or through contract manufacturing, while cell production remains outsourced to specialized manufacturers.
- Ongoing partnerships and research aim to improve energy density and charging, supporting Honda’s broader electrification roadmap for the coming years.
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Does Honda make their own batteries?
As the first step, our demonstration line for the production of all-solid-state batteries will become operational in 2024, where we will work toward the establishment of mass-production technologies. Then, leveraging such initial technologies as a foothold, we will continue to advance our all-solid-state batteries.
Who manufactures Honda batteries?
Honda partners with other companies to make its batteries, including a joint venture with LG Energy Solution for North American EV batteries and an agreement with CATL for batteries in China. Honda is also independently developing its own all-solid-state batteries for future models. For standard 12V car batteries, companies like Johnson Controls have manufactured OEM batteries, and other brands like Interstate and DieHard are compatible replacements.
For electric and hybrid vehicles
- LG Energy Solution: Honda has formed a joint venture with LG Energy Solution to build a new plant in Ohio to produce lithium-ion batteries exclusively for Honda and Acura EVs in North America.
- CATL: Honda has a strategic partnership with CATL to develop and supply batteries for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in China, with plans to expand globally.
- Toyota: Honda will use batteries from Toyota for its U.S. hybrid vehicles, starting around fiscal year 2025, to secure a stable supply.
- Asahi Kasei Corporation: Honda is collaborating with Asahi Kasei to produce battery separators for automotive batteries in Canada through a new joint venture.
For standard 12V batteries
- OEM suppliers: Companies like Johnson Controls have previously manufactured the original 12V batteries for Honda vehicles, with their batteries also available under other brand names (e.g., EverLast).
- Replacement brands: Reputable aftermarket brands like Interstate, Optima, and DieHard produce high-quality batteries that are compatible with and recommended for Honda vehicles.
Honda's own technology
- All-solid-state batteries: Honda is independently developing all-solid-state batteries for mass production, with a demonstration production line established in Japan.
- SCES: Honda is also collaborating with the U.S. EV battery R&D company SCES to develop new lithium metal batteries.
What kind of battery do Hondas use?
A 12V lead-acid battery is the most common type used in Honda vehicles to start the engine and power electrical systems.
