Multifaceted Approaches
Honda is committed to achieving carbon neutrality across society through a multifaceted approach, which includes not only the electrification of mobility but also various other strategies.
Efforts to Promote Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
Honda anticipates that achieving carbon neutrality for aircraft, which require long-distance and high-speed travel, will take more time with battery replacement alone. Therefore, we believe that Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is an effective solution. SAF is a next-generation fuel that significantly reduces CO₂ emissions by blending with or replacing existing jet fuel, and it is positioned as a crucial technology for achieving carbon neutrality in aviation.
Honda aims to become a frontrunner in the promotion and expansion of SAF by advancing activities from three perspectives: “Regulate,” “Use,” and “Create.”
Regulate: In Japan, Honda participates in ACT FOR SKY, an organization dedicated to promoting SAF. In the United States, we are a member of the FAA/OEM Review Panel, composed of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and aircraft and engine manufacturers, working with industry groups to build SAF supply network and value chains. Additionally, from our position as a developer and manufacturer of aircraft and aircraft engines, we evaluate the safety of newly developed SAF through test data reviews with other participating companies and support SAF standardization.
Use: From the perspective of usage, Honda, in collaboration with General Electric Company (GE), has successfully completed the compatibility evaluation of the HF120 engine with 100% SAF.
Create: In the realm of fuel production, we are advancing research on SAF’s third generation, known as PtL (Power-to-Liquid), which synthesizes fuel directly from CO₂ and hydrogen, rather than using traditional bioresources or waste. This involves research into catalysts and catalytic reaction processes for this innovative SAF.
There are very little examples worldwide of direct synthesis from CO₂. However, leveraging our expertise in exhaust gas purification catalysts developed through ICE technology, we are committed to contributing towards the stable supply of SAF.
Honda’s Approach to SAF
Efforts in the Carbon Cycle
Initiatives in DAC Technology Research and Development
According to the “Net Zero by 2050” report published by the International Energy Agency (IEA), CO₂ emissions from industries, transportation, and buildings are not expected to reach zero, indicating that achieving net zero will require time. Given this context, there is a growing need for negative emission technologies that capture and remove CO₂ from the atmosphere. Therefore, Honda has commenced research into Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology.
DAC is a technology that directly captures CO₂ from the air, enabling the reduction of net CO₂ emissions across corporate activities and the achievement of negative emissions. Compared to CO₂ absorption through reforestation, DAC offers clear CO₂ removal benefits and facilitates easier Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) validation, making it a key tool for meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Honda is leveraging its expertise in aerodynamics, fluid dynamics, thermal management, materials technology, and mass production techniques—gained from various product developments and technological research—to pursue DAC with high energy efficiency and low cost.
Since FYE Mar. 31, 2024, we have been operating research and development facilities with the goal of commercialization by the 2030s. In parallel, we are conducting proof-of-concept studies, identifying technical challenges, and fostering collaboration with partners for technology demonstration.
Our goal with DAC technology is not only to achieve carbon neutrality for our corporate activities by 2050 but also to contribute to the broader societal goal of carbon neutrality.
Expansion of Hydrogen Utilization
For the power sources used in medium and large commercial mobility, construction machinery, and large infrastructure power systems—where high efficiency, long-range operation, continuous running, high output, and quick refueling are required—complete battery replacement is challenging. Honda views fuel cell (FC) systems using hydrogen as an energy carrier as a valuable solution for achieving carbon neutrality in these areas and is accelerating its efforts to expand hydrogen utilization.
Recently, Honda has joined a demonstration project for stationary fuel cells for data centers with Tokuyama Corporation and Mitsubishi Corporation (NEDO*-approved, June 2023). Additionally, Honda has begun a public road demonstration of heavy-duty fuel cell trucks in collaboration with Isuzu Motors Limited (December 2023). We have also started mass production of a new FC system in a joint venture with General Motors Company (January 2024). This new system significantly reduces costs by one-third, improves durability twofold, and greatly enhances low-temperature resistance compared to the “CLARITY FUEL CELL” system (2019 model). The new system is incorporated into the new CR-V e:FCEV (launched in the U.S. and Japan in July 2024) and is planned for external sales for B2B applications.
Honda has long recognized the potential of hydrogen and has been engaged in research and development of hydrogen technology and fuel cells for over 30 years. Currently, we are expanding the application of our core FC technology beyond our own Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCEVs) to the transportation sector and industrial applications. As a front-runner in FC adoption, we actively collaborate with other companies to broaden the “Use” of hydrogen, contributing to the overall goal of carbon neutrality.
NEDO: New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization
Core Domains and Value Offerings
Expansion of Renewable Energy Utilization
Global electricity demand is expected to increase in the future. As Honda advances the electrification of mobility, our electricity demand will also rise. Thus, it is crucial to replace the electricity used by various electric products, including mobility, with clean renewable energy. However, renewable energy sources like wind and solar power are affected by weather and seasonal variations, and is challenging to control according to power supply/demand and grid capacity. Therefore, to increase the share of renewable energy in the power mix while ensuring stable electricity supply, it is essential to have buffering capabilities, or "regulation power," to cover the variability in generation.
Honda is working on providing regulation power to the power grid through the use of large-capacity batteries installed in EVs, stationary batteries derived from second-life vehicle batteries, and energy management technologies.
In North America, Honda, along with BMW Group and Ford Motor Company, has agreed to establish “ChargeScape.“ This information platform connects automakers with numerous utility companies in the U.S. and Canada, aiming to stabilize the power grid through extensive power regulation capabilities provided by a large number of vehicles. This stabilization effort is designed to maximize the use of renewable energy, while also helping to reduce charging costs for EV owners and operational costs for utilities. In Japan, Honda has established a joint venture “ALTNA Co., Ltd.” with Mitsubishi Corporation. This company aims to lower the total cost of EV ownership through new mobility services and to develop a new power business by extending the use of EV batteries. ALTNA offers V1G*1 smart charging services to reduce customer charging costs, and at the same time, aims to provide V2G*2 services in the future, allowing EV batteries to exchange and store power with the grid. Additionally, ALTNA will repurpose used vehicle batteries as grid storage batteries to supply regulation power, contributing to the domestic recycling of rare resources and the further expansion of renewable energy.
- V1G (Vehicle-One-Grid): unidirectional charging control, charging from the power grid to EVs
- V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid): technology for not only charging EVs from the power grid but also supplying power stored in EVs back to the grid
- V2H (Vehicle-to-Home): technology for supplying power from EVs to homes
- V2B (Vehicle to Building): technology for supplying power from EVs to business premises and factories
