Honda unveils EV plant in Guangzhou

GUANGZHOU: Honda has officially opened its new electric vehicle (EV) production plant in Guangzhou’s Economic and Technological Development District, marking a major step in its push towards a greener future.

The Development District NEV Factory, a collaboration between Honda and the Guangzhou Automobile Group, is designed to produce next-generation EVs.

By 2027, Honda plans to introduce 10 new EV models in China, including the e:N Series and the upcoming Ye Series. The company aims for all of its vehicle sales in China to be EVs by 2035.

The factory boasts advanced technology, including AI-powered systems for welding strength inspection and automated production lines that handle about 30% of the assembly process. These innovations will help Honda ramp up EV output while minimising human labour and reducing costs.

But it's not just about smart production – the plant is also built with the environment in mind.

A solar power system generating 22MW will power a significant portion of operations, cutting down on the facility’s carbon footprint by an estimated 13,000 tons of CO2 each year.

In addition, Honda is taking steps to limit air pollution by using low-VOC paints and installing advanced systems to treat wastewater.

This factory is part of Honda’s broader goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, with a specific focus on electric vehicles.

The new plant, which will produce 120,000 vehicles annually, is expected to play a key role in Honda’s long-term strategy.

It is a significant investment in China’s growing EV market, with a total investment of about 3.49 billion yuan (RM2.3bil).

As part of its workforce, about 700 employees are now working to bring these vehicles to life.