To crack the code of building low-cost electric vehicles, Japan's automakers intend to leverage their skills at tried-and-true lean manufacturing and kaizen.

Japan's automakers are stoking R&D investment to meet mounting demand for a staggering array of technologies. Toyota by far outpaces the pack.

For a house-proud engineering force such as Honda, relying on GM for EV help may be surprising. But Honda expects to return to its old independent prowess in due time.

Toshihiro Mibe is starting a radical revolution that includes rockets, partners and an end to combustion engines.