When Honda rolled out the redesigned subcompact crossover for global markets last year, it left out the U.S. This year, a more rugged North American version will launch.

Outgoing CEO Shinji Aoyama, who joined the North American operations in 2018, will become the full-time global officer in charge of electrification for Honda Motor Co.

Last year, Honda killed off the Fit hatchback, the Civic Coupe and the manual-transmission version of the Accord sedan. Both the Honda and Acura brands are pivoting toward light trucks to boost volume.

Honda's electric crossover will use GM's Ultium platform and batteries, but Honda will develop the vehicle's body style and interior.

Acura said the five-door liftback coming next year will have a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, but power was not revealed.

Tesla is working with suppliers, including partner Panasonic, on a bigger cylindrical battery cell to increase efficiency and reduct cost. In fact, Tesla is already making some of the 4680 cells on its own.

The Japanese automaker's first two EVs with be made with GM, but it will later shift to its own technology.