Hitachi Astemo announced that it had contracted with Honda to supply electric axles for use in medium and large battery electric vehicles. The electric axle procurement contract will start in 2026, where Hitachi Astemo also aims to expand its electrification business.
In cooperation with Honda, Hitachi Astemo will supply high-performance integrated drive units for Honda. According to the supplier, the e-shaft system incorporates a silicon carbide inverter, a low-loss and efficient motor and a compact transmission from an external manufacturer.
From the published release, there is no mention of vehicle performance data or which vehicle model will get Hitachi’s electric axle.
Hitachi Astemo was formed in 2021 from the merger of Hitachi Automotive Systems with the Honda groups Keihin, Showa and Nissin Kogyo. The demand for electric axle has so far grown rapidly as many manufacturers have started their electrification.
Hitachi Astemo will invest 2.1 billion euros, specifically in electrification, including R&D, in the 2025 financial year.
Hitachi Astemo targets that for the fiscal year 2025, sales of electrical components are expected to reach 2.8 billion euros and grow to more than double by 2030.
Honda announced in April that it will use three new pure electric platforms for their upcoming electric vehicles. Honda is targeting an electric model based on a new “big” platform expected to launch in North America in 2026.
In its electrification strategy, Honda plans to launch 30 electric models globally by 2030. Honda targets sales of more than two million electric cars per year by 2030.
Honda starts construction of electric vehicles plant in China
