General MotorsGMUnited States of America, 1998 > present8 models
240 photos
and HondaHondaJapan, 1948 > present102 models
2419 photos
10 videos
have agreed to collaborate on creating fuel cells and hydrogen storage technologies that aim to be ready around 2020. The two companies will share expertise, economies of scale and commonly sourced parts. They will also work on how to create a hydrogen-refueling infrastructure.

“This collaboration builds upon Honda and GM’s strengths as leaders in hydrogen fuel cell technology. We are convinced this is the best way to develop this important technology, which has the potential to help reduce the dependence on petroleum and establish sustainable mobility,” said Dan Akerson, GM chairman and CEO.

GM and Honda hold a combined 1,200 patents on fuel cell technology, which makes them the automotive leaders in the field, according to the Clean Energy Patent Growth Index.

They believe that zero emissions vehicles have a future and that purely using batteries is not necessarily the best long-term option. Fuel cells offer a better range than batteries and faster refueling.

Both companies have experience in fuel cell vehicles. GM has built a fleet of 119 fuel cell test cars that have covered three million miles of testing. Honda has leased the FCXHonda FCX ClarityJapan, 2010 > present3 photos
to buyers since 2002 and has 85 units on the road and in Japan. It is working on a successor to the FCX that will be ready in 2015 that will be offered in Europe for the first time.