Honda, Mitsubishi Sign Agreement To Optimise The Use Of EV Batteries

Honda and Mitsubishi Corporation want to collaborate to develop new e-mobility business fields. The companies intend to collaborate in the areas of intelligent charging and vehicle-to-grid on the one hand, and batteries and their condition monitoring on the other, up to and including the connection use of batteries from Honda's new small electric cars as stationary storage units.

In terms of technical organisation, the two companies intend to divide their efforts into two areas: 'Battery Lifetime Management Business' and 'Smart-charging and V2G Energy Management Business'.

The goal of the battery lifetime management business is to maximise the value of the batteries in Honda mini-EV models that will go on sale in Japan next year. "By employing a sophisticated battery-monitoring system, the new business would manage and maximise the value of each battery throughout its lifetime shifting from powering EVs to use as stationary energy storage." The second company's goal is to "help EV users to optimise their electricity costs by offering access to smart-charging, V2G services and green (renewable) power which leverages advanced control technologies for the energy management system."

“Preparing for the era of full-fledged popularization of EVs, Honda will not only sell EVs, but take a proactive approach to energy management, where EV batteries will be utilized as an energy source, and we are also focusing on resource circulation, including the reuse and repurposing of EV batteries, which contain various rare resources,” said Toshihiro Mibe, Global CEO of Honda, adding: “Starting with this initiative with MC in the area of mini-EVs in Japan, Honda will strive to maximize the value we offer to our customers and build a foundation for sustainable business from a long-term perspective, while working with a variety of partners and accommodating the unique market characteristics of each region.”