Nissan and Honda, each sluggish to roll out electrical autos, wish to accomplice on electrical autos and software program to assist velocity up improvement and decrease prices.

The automakers on Friday introduced the signing of a memorandum of understanding for the beginning of a feasibility research exploring the potential partnership.

The scope of the research covers software program platforms, core EV parts, and different associated merchandise, the automakers mentioned in a joint assertion.

Citing sources at Nissan, Nikkei reported on Thursday that Nissan and Honda wish to collectively work on automobile improvement in addition to procurement.

2024 Honda Prologue

In keeping with the sources, the first aim is to scale back prices to assist the automakers compete with cheaper EVs being launched by Chinese language manufacturers. China’s EV management helped the nation overtake Japan final yr to grow to be the world’s largest exporter of autos.

Honda already fashioned a partnership with Basic Motors to speed up the event of EVs for North America. The partnership has resulted within the 2024 Acura ZDX and 2024 Honda Prologue SUVs, which begin gross sales later this yr. Honda has additionally joined forces with Sony to ascertain the international EV model Afeela, which is able to launch its first automobile in North America in 2026.

Nissan is a part of an alliance with Renault and Mitsubishi, although neither of these manufacturers have a robust footing in the important thing markets of the U.S. and China, the place Nissan stands to profit most from launching EVs.

An alternative choice for Nissan could also be a partnership with cash-strapped EV startup Fisker. Reuters earlier this month reported that Nissan is in talks with Fisker about an funding to realize entry to the platform of Fisker’s deliberate Alaska pickup truck. In keeping with Reuters’ sources, Nissan might even construct the Alaska for Fisker. Neither automaker has confirmed the talks, although Fisker has mentioned it’s in talks with a significant automaker.

Replace: This text has been up to date to incorporate Nissan and Honda’s affirmation of their talks a few potential partnership.