New Battery Technology Captures Ford’s Attention

Photo Source: Ford

Building on Ford’s commitment to United States manufacturing, the brand declared in February 2023 that it is investing $3.5 billion to construct America’s first automaker-backed lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery plant, thus providing consumers with a second battery technology within Ford’s electronic vehicle lineup. The plant will be known as the BlueOval Battery Park Michigan, and when production of LFP batteries officially commences in 2026, it will be responsible for employing 2,500 workers. Ford will also have the choice to develop further its battery capacity at its Marshall, Michigan, plant. 

There is an overarching goal to consider with the $3.5 billion investment. For example, the company and its battery technology associates have proclaimed that $17.6 billion have been invested in battery and electric vehicle production in the United States since 2019 as part of the automaker’s pledge to support over $50 billion in electric vehicles globally through 2026. Beginning in the 2023 model year, these investments will eventually result in more than 18,000 direct employment in Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan, Missouri, and Tennessee and more than 100,000 indirect jobs, per a 2020 independent study. 

Leading the Electric Vehicle Revolution in America

Branching out and localizing Ford’s battery supply chain in the countries where it constructs electric vehicles will improve affordability and availability for buyers and solidify customer demand. The Blue Oval’s method is to present an annual rate of 600,000 electric vehicles globally by the end of 2023 and 2 million globally by the end of 2026 as it cultivates its Ford+ plan. Moreover, as the manufacturer quickly escalates electric vehicle production, introducing LFP batteries permits the company to produce a more significant number of electric vehicles and provide more selections to brand-new electric vehicle customers.

Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery Advantages

In addition to nickel cobalt manganese (NCM) batteries, providing LFP as second battery chemistry allows Ford consumers to select an electric vehicle with unique battery performance aspects that most accurately meet their needs. LFP batteries, for instance, are exceedingly durable and endure more frequent and swifter charging while simultaneously relying on fewer high-demand, costly materials. In the long run, this cost-effective battery will help Ford manage or reduce electric vehicle prices for buyers. 

The LFP batteries will power numerous accessible, next-generation Ford electric passenger vehicles and trucks currently under development, most of which will be built in the United States, such as the Mustang Mach-E and the F-150 Lightning. Jim Farley, Ford’s president and CEO, highlights the company’s ambitious initiative: “Ford’s electric vehicle lineup has generated huge demand. We’re delivering on our commitments as we scale LFP and NCM batteries, and thousands, and soon millions, of customers will begin to reap the benefits of Ford EVs with cutting-edge, durable battery technologies that are growing more affordable over time.”

Ford has started a collaborative effort with Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL), the world’s leading battery manufacturer, as part of Ford’s plan to provide new battery chemistry in crucial locations where it produces electric vehicles. As stipulated in the agreement, the Ford-owned plant would be responsible for manufacturing the battery cells by utilizing LFP battery cell expertise and technology provided by CATL, which has already managed thirteen plants in Asia and Europe. 

Maintaining a Sustainable Supply Chain

In the grand scheme of things, LFP battery technology helps diminish dependence on minerals like cobalt and nickel and functions in alignment with Ford’s aim to establish an electric vehicle supply chain that encourages its dedication to sustainability. The automaker has entrusted itself to accomplishing carbon neutrality globally across its automobiles by 2050.

The Ford Motor Company has grandiose ventures in mind to increase affordability, sustainability, and customer demand as it moves toward electrification. Please come visit Sunrise Ford and see for yourself what the company has to offer. Ranging from a lineup of all-new vehicles to quality pre-owned cars, our dealership will not disappoint you.