General Motors (GM) and Honda have started production at their joint venture facility, Fuel Cell System Manufacturing (FCSM).
Established in Brownstown, Michigan, in January 2017, FCSM is a 50-50 joint venture with a joint investment of $85 million. The 70,000-square-foot facility, a testament to the commitment of both automotive giants, has already generated 80 jobs. The fuel cell systems produced at FCSM will be utilized by GM and Honda in various applications, showcasing a shared vision for advancing hydrogen technology in transportation and beyond.
Suheb Haq, President of FCSM, expressed the historic nature of the venture, stating, “This is a historic day for the industry as GM and Honda are the first full fuel cell system manufacturing joint venture to begin volume production of fuel cells for transportation and beyond.” The facility is set to cover the entire production process, from raw materials for membrane and electrode to completed systems.
GM and Honda embarked on their journey of collaboration in 2013, co-developing the next-generation fuel cell system. Beyond enhancing system performance, the engineers focused on doubling durability compared to previous models. This was achieved through the use of corrosion-resistant materials and improvements in low-temperature operation. The result is a fuel cell system that boasts higher durability and enhanced performance.
Economies of scale played a pivotal role in the collaboration, with efforts directed at reducing development and manufacturing costs. Through advancements in cell design, simplification of supporting equipment, common sourcing, and reduced use of costly precious metals, the new fuel cell systems are projected to be one-third less expensive to produce compared to previous models.
FCSM is not only dedicated to innovation but also places a strong emphasis on quality assurance and manufacturing efficiency. The facility incorporates pioneering methods for automating membrane-electrode-assembly production and fuel cell stack assembly. This ensures not only the highest levels of quality but also improved manufacturing productivity, a critical factor in the mass adoption of hydrogen fuel cell technology.
As GM and Honda forge ahead in their joint venture, the automotive industry witnesses a pivotal moment in the transition toward sustainable energy solutions. The hydrogen era is no longer a distant prospect but a reality taking shape on the production lines of FCSM. With shared goals, technological advancements, and a commitment to a greener future, GM and Honda are steering the automotive landscape toward a hydrogen-powered horizon.
