Honda reconfigures Ohio plants for flexible vehicle production

Honda has provided details on its manufacturing approach for electric vehicles, with production set to begin in late 2025 at the Honda EV Hub in Ohio. The company is reconfiguring its Marysville Auto Plant, East Liberty Auto Plant, and Anna Engine Plant to accommodate the production of internal combustion, hybrid, and battery-electric vehicles on the same assembly lines. Honda is investing over $1 billion in these changes to improve efficiency, environmental impact, and manufacturing flexibility.

Honda executives state that the Ohio-based facility is designed to allow production shifts between different powertrain types as market demand changes. The company has also introduced updates to its production processes to create a work environment that is more adaptable and sustainable.

Production at the Honda EV Hub will begin with the Acura RSX EV, followed by models based on the Honda 0 SUV and Honda 0 Saloon prototypes, which were introduced at CES 2025 in Las Vegas. These vehicles will use the company’s new vehicle operating system, ASIMO OS, which is named after Honda’s ASIMO robot.

Honda first announced its plans for the Honda EV Hub in October 2022 as part of a long-term goal to transition to a fully zero-emissions vehicle lineup by 2040. The company, in partnership with LG Energy Solution, is investing $3.5 billion in a joint battery production facility, L-H Battery Company, with an expected total investment of $4.4 billion. The facility will have an annual production capacity of approximately 40GWh and is scheduled to begin operations in late 2025.

In addition to manufacturing the Honda 0 Series EVs, the Honda EV Hub will serve as a center for developing EV production expertise that will be shared across Honda’s North American and global manufacturing operations. The company has outlined additional details on the retooling of its Ohio plants in a background document.

Honda is integrating its “Triple Action to Zero” strategy into the reconfiguration of the Honda EV Hub. This initiative focuses on achieving environmental sustainability through carbon neutrality, clean energy use, and resource recycling.

As part of its carbon neutrality efforts, Honda is targeting net-zero CO2 emissions across its products and operations by 2050. Updates at the Honda EV Hub include the installation of high-efficiency melt furnaces at the Anna Engine Plant, which reduce natural gas consumption and have the potential to transition to Plasma Arc Melting in the future. Additional updates include more energy-efficient HVAC systems, lighting, and manufacturing equipment.

Honda states that it is already offsetting more than 60% of its North American manufacturing electricity use through virtual power purchase agreements for wind and solar energy. The company also recycles production materials at its Ohio facilities, including aluminum at the Anna Engine Plant, which is melted and reused for battery casings and engines. Additionally, old associate uniforms are being repurposed into sound insulation materials for Honda and Acura vehicles.

Honda has been manufacturing automobiles in Ohio since 1982, with its first plant established in Marysville. The company employs over 12,000 people across five Ohio manufacturing facilities, which have received over $1.4 billion in investment over the past six years. These facilities have an annual production capacity of 460,000 Honda and Acura vehicles, 1.18 million engines, and more than 1 million transmissions and hybrid systems.

The company’s current investment of over $1 billion in Ohio is aimed at repurposing existing facilities for EV production. Additionally, Honda’s partnership with LG Energy Solution includes a $3.5 billion investment in a joint venture battery plant in Fayette County, Ohio.