Honda recently announced plans to cover 60 percent of its North American electricity use from manufacturing plants with renewable energy. Beginning in the fall of 2020, Honda will purchase 530,000 MWh per year from the Boiling Spring Wind Farm in Oklahoma.

In addition to powering its manufacturing plants, Honda could use the energy for its electric vehicles. How would this work? Honda could offer customers purchase options for electric vehicles with a pre-paid electricity plan. The service could mimic what is currently available with Peugeot Just Add Fuel deals. 

Honda’s issued patent for an electric power trade brokering system suggests that such a system may not be far off. This extends beyond electric cars as well, as applications for marine vehicles, flight vehicles, and even lawn mowers are all discussed.