GM, Honda team up to develop advanced hydrogen fuel cells

Detroit (AP) General Motors Co. and Honda Motor Co. are forming a joint venture to produce an advanced hydrogen fuel cell system that will power the vehicles of both companies.

The companies expect to begin production of the system in 2020 at a GM battery-pack facility outside Detroit, creating about 100 new jobs.

Honda and GM will invest a total of USD 85 million in the venture.

Honda and GM have collaborated on fuel cells and hydrogen storage since 2013. Dan Nicholson, GM's vice president of global propulsion, says costs have come down dramatically since then and the new fuel cell system has become smaller, lighter, less complex and more durable.

The companies also pledged to work with the government to increase the number of hydrogen refueling stations.