Honda, Nissan team for software defined vehicles and self-driving cars
Nissan and Honda are working on software for the next-generation software-defined vehicles (SDVs) and self-driving cars.
Honda and Nissan have already started work on R&D and investment in various technologies to boost the development of electric vehicles, especially SDVs, within the next year. The deal also includes cooperation on battery cells and e-axles.
The two companies also believe that the software field, including autonomous driving, connectivity, and AI, which will determine the value of vehicles in the future and become a source of competitiveness.
The joint research agreement on fundamental technologies will also include the possibility of co-creation of software platforms. Nissan and Honda aim to complete basic research in approximately one year and based on the results consider the possibility of mass production development. Renesas Electronics is a key supplier of ADAS systems to Honda and is developing chips for SDVs and self-driving vehicles.
The two will also work on battery technologies, sharing specifications for battery cell modules and mutual supply. The two are planning to source lithium-ion batteries for EVs manufactured by L-H Battery Company, a joint venture between Honda and LG Energy Solution, to Nissan in North America after 2028.
The two companies have also reached a basic agreement on a common specifications of their respective e-Axles 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.
The two companies also agreed to study the possibility of cooperation in the areas of energy services and resource circulation in Japan, including charging, energy equipment, energy services utilizing batteries, and charging services.
This comes as Nissan and Honda signed a separate deal with Mitsubishi, where Honda also has a deal developing vehicle-to-grid technologies. Honda also has a joint venture with Sony on self driving electric vehicles.
“We are very pleased to welcome a new member to the strategic partnership between Honda and Nissan. Mitsubishi Motors has unique technologies and expertise and has been collaborating with Nissan as a partner. Through collaboration among the three companies, we expect the partnership to evolve into something that creates greater value, and to deliver unique products and services from each company that meet the diverse needs of customers,” said Makoto Uchida, Representative Executive Officer, President and CEO, Nissan.
“The automobile industry is in a period of transformation said to occur once in a century. We expect that the combination of technologies and knowledge cultivated by Nissan and Honda, as well as the strength and experience of Mitsubishi Motors, will enable us to more quickly resolve various issues related to electrification and intelligence on a global scale,” said Toshihiro Mibe, President and Representative Executive Officer at Honda, where Infineon is a key supplier.
Nissan also has a significant cross-holding with the Renault Group that also includes Mitsubishi that was completed at the end of last year. This includes Nissan backing Renaoult Ampere software spinout with €600m.
“The agreements allow us to step into the next chapter of the Alliance. They strengthen our long-standing partnership and will maximize value creation for each Alliance member,” said Jean-Dominique Senard, Chairman of The Alliance
“This will create additional value through initiatives aligned to Nissan’s Ambition 2030 and electrification strategy. The investment opportunity in Ampere complements and strengthens Nissan’s ongoing electric push in Europe and will deliver numerous synergies, including cost efficiencies, regulatory compliance, and a broader range of EV products and powertrains,” said Uchida.
“We are all engaged with the right mindset and welcome Nissan as a strong partner in our upcoming EV and Software pure player Ampere. It confirms the attractiveness of the project to be front runner in Europe, allowing Renault and its Alliance partners to position themselves ahead of the starting grid for the EV and software race in Europe,” said Luca de Meo, CEO of Renault Group.
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