The sweeping transformation of Honda’s Marysville Auto Plant (MAP), East Liberty Auto Plant (ELP), and Anna Engine Plant (AEP) represents an investment exceeding $1 billion. The effort, according to Honda, reimagines the manufacturing process to create a more environmentally responsible and human-friendly workspace while maintaining the company’s stringent standards for quality, efficiency, and value.
“The Honda EV Hub provides us with the flexibility to produce ICE, hybrid-electric, and EV models on the same production lines, allowing us to quickly respond to shifting customer needs and market conditions,” said Bob Schwyn, senior vice president of Honda Development & Manufacturing of America, LLC. “Beyond adding the capability to produce EVs, we completely reimagined our approach to manufacturing, transforming the Honda production environment with more human-friendly processes and sustainable manufacturing practices.”
The facility’s first electric vehicle will be the all-new Acura RSX EV, slated for late 2025, followed by Honda-branded EVs inspired by the recently unveiled Honda 0 SUV and Honda 0 Saloon prototypes, which made their debut at CES 2025 in Las Vegas. Honda also introduced its proprietary vehicle operating system, ASIMO OS, designed for the Honda 0 Series models. The software, named after Honda’s iconic ASIMO robot, embodies the “Wise” value of the new lineup.
A Long-Term Commitment to Electrification
Honda’s establishment of the EV Hub, first announced in October 2022, is a cornerstone of its broader vision to achieve 100 percent zero-emissions vehicle sales by 2040. A significant component of this initiative is a $3.5 billion joint venture with LG Energy Solution to develop a battery production facility, L-H Battery Company, with an anticipated total investment of $4.4 billion. The plant, designed with an annual production capacity of approximately 40GWh, is set to begin operations in late 2025.
In addition to serving as the launch point for the Honda 0 Series, the EV Hub will play a critical role in disseminating EV production expertise to other Honda plants in North America and beyond. The company’s approach underscores a holistic transition toward electrification, leveraging existing facilities and workforce capabilities to accelerate the shift.
Sustainability at the Core: Honda’s “Triple Action to Zero”
As Honda retools its Ohio plants, the company is implementing a comprehensive sustainability initiative known as Triple Action to Zero, a strategy aimed at achieving zero environmental impact by 2050. The approach focuses on three key pillars: carbon neutrality, clean energy, and resource circulation.
Carbon Neutrality: Honda has set a target of net-zero CO2 emissions from its products and operations by 2050. In support of this goal, the AEP facility has installed high-efficiency melt furnaces to reduce natural gas consumption, with future modifications planned to incorporate Plasma Arc Melting technology for further emissions reduction. Across the EV Hub, new HVAC systems, energy-efficient lighting, and other resource-saving equipment have been introduced to cut Honda’s overall carbon footprint.
Clean Energy: Honda has already offset more than 60 percent of the electricity used in its North American manufacturing operations through virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs) tied to renewable wind and solar energy. The company’s goal remains to operate entirely on sustainable and carbon-free energy sources.
Resource Circulation: Aiming to use 100 percent sustainable materials, Honda is advancing recycling efforts across its plants. At AEP, aluminum scrap is melted on-site and repurposed into battery cases and engine components. Additionally, Honda is repurposing employee uniforms into sound-absorbing insulation for use in Honda and Acura vehicles.
A Legacy of Innovation in Ohio
Honda’s presence in Ohio dates back more than 40 years to the launch of automobile production at the Marysville Auto Plant in 1982. With the establishment of the Honda EV Hub, the company reaffirms its commitment to both its workforce and the state’s role as a cornerstone of its North American manufacturing operations. As the industry undergoes a seismic shift toward electrification, Honda’s Ohio facilities will remain at the forefront of innovation, balancing legacy production with the needs of a rapidly evolving automotive landscape.