Japanese automotive major Honda has started operations at its first dedicated global electric vehicle (EV) plant in China. 

The new plant, located in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, is operated by Dongfeng Honda, a joint venture between Honda and China's Dongfeng Motor. 

The Dongfeng Honda new energy vehicle (NEV) production plant boasts an annual production capacity of approximately 120,000 units and employs around 800 associates as of October 2024.  

It represents an investment of about 4bn yuan ($565m).  

Honda said it has implemented an efficient EV production line, enhancing automation primarily in the assembly process and integrating quality and operational data across the plant's operations. 

The Wuhan facility is pioneering within the Honda network by fully eliminating logistics personnel in the stamping process, due to the introduction of a multi-level automated warehouse and the automation of parts logistics.  

This is part of Honda's broader environmental goal to achieve carbon neutrality for all its products and corporate activities by 2050. 

In line with its environmental aspirations, Honda plans to introduce ten Honda-brand EV models in China by 2027, including the e:N Series launched in 2022 and the Ye Series, a next-generation EV series unveiled in April 2024.  

With these models, Honda is targeting 100% EV sales in the Chinese market by 2035. 

Honda global CEO Toshihiro Mibe said: “It is our great pleasure to hold an opening ceremony for the first dedicated Honda EV production plant which just started operation. Honda will operate this new plant smoothly and stably and provide high-quality EV models to our customers in China, through which we will continue our pursuit to “Expand the Joys for our customers and society.”” 

Recently, Honda Motor announced a collaboration with IIT Delhi and IIT Bombay to enhance its artificial intelligence technology, Honda Cooperative Intelligence, through joint R&D efforts involving its R&D division and Honda Cars India.