<article><p class="lead">Japanese auto manufacturer Honda and battery producer GS Yuasa plan to form a joint venture this year to co-operate on manufacturing lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries with high capacity and output for electric vehicles (EVs).</p><p>The partners have agreed to jointly research and develop Li-ion batteries for EVs, manage relevant intellectual properties, design and sell products incorporating the research and developments results, build a supply chain of raw materials and outline production operations. But they did not disclose further details including timelines.</p><p>Honda has accelerated its efforts in securing EV batteries. The company also formed a Li-ion battery joint venture with South Korean battery producer <a target="_blank" href="https://metals.argusmedia.com/newsandanalysis/article/2409741">LGES</a>, aiming to begin commercial operations of a 40GWh/yr production plant in the US' Ohio by 2025. Honda has signed a supply agreement with China's largest battery producer <a target="_blank" href="https://metals.argusmedia.com/newsandanalysis/article/2398807">CATL</a> to receive 123GWh of batteries for Honda EVs produced in China between 2024-30.</p><p class="bylines">By Nanami Oki</p></article>
