As a global provider of electrification, Hitachi Astemo Ltd. has received electric axle (e-Axle) orders for mid-size and large-size battery-electric vehicles from Honda Motor Co., Ltd., slated for a global rollout in 2026.

Hitachi Astemo, as a systems integrator, will deliver a high-performance, integrated drive unit for Honda, with the e-Axle system combining a highly efficient, silicon carbide (SiC) inverter; a square-wire, low-loss and high-efficiency motor; and a compact, quiet gearbox from a gearbox manufacturer.

A number of countries around the world have been expressing their commitment to achieving carbon neutrality, and automakers are accelerating the launch of environmentally friendly vehicles, which include electrified vehicles. Demand is expected to rise for e-Axles that are not only lightweight, compact and efficient, but also more efficient to manufacture, with lower cost through a reduced number of parts. To this end, Hitachi Astemo says it will respond to the rapidly expanding e-Axle demand by expanding sales of its in-house developed electric axles to various automobile manufacturers globally. It also will supply motors and inverters for electric axles assembled by automobile and gearbox manufacturers.

Moving forward, Hitachi Astemo says it will strengthen its position as a global leader in electrification. This will be achieved by leveraging synergies from the 2021 merger, taking advantage of the integrated technologies and resources while further enhancing its global production bases. Specifically for the electrification business, it is aiming to invest 300 billion yen including R&D until fiscal 2025, increase sales revenue to over 400 billion yen in fiscal 2025 and more than double sales revenue by fiscal 2030.