Ford to build BlueOval Battery Park Michigan through US$3.5-B investment

Ford announced that it is planning to build the United States’ (US) first automaker-backed lithium ferro-phosphate (LFP) battery plant, dubbed the BlueOval Battery Park Michigan, through a US$3.5 billion investment.

According to American automotive brand, BlueOval Battery Park Michigan will allow the company to offer its customers a second battery technology within its electric vehicle (EV) lineup.

“We are committed to leading the electric vehicle revolution in America, and that means investing in the technology and jobs that will keep us on the cutting edge of this global transformation in our industry. I am also proud that we chose our home state of Michigan for this critical battery production hub,” said Ford Executive Chair Bill Ford.

The Blue Oval brand believes that diversifying and localizing its battery supply chain in the countries where it builds EVs will improve availability and affordability for customers while strengthening consumer demand.

As the company rapidly scales EV production, introducing LFP batteries allows Ford to produce more electric vehicles and offer more choices to new EV customers, the carmaker explained. Per Ford, LFP batteries are very durable and tolerate more frequent and faster charging while using fewer high-demand, high-cost materials.

These LFP batteries will power a variety of affordable, next-generation Ford EV passenger vehicles and trucks under development, most of which will be assembled in the US.

“Ford’s electric vehicle lineup has generated huge demand. To get as many Ford EVs to customers as possible, we’re the first automaker to commit to building both NCM (nickel cobalt manganese) and LFP batteries in the United States. 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,” commented Ford President and Chief Executive Officer Jim Farley.

By investing in an LFP facility, Ford is looking to make its EV supply chain more sustainable. LFP battery technology helps reduce reliance on critical minerals such as nickel and cobalt and is in line with Ford’s work to create an EV supply chain that upholds its commitments to sustainability and human rights.

Further, the targeted LFP battery factory is expected to create some 2,500 jobs.

“The City of Marshall welcomes this exciting new partnership with Ford Motor Company. This investment in the local community will lead to an influx of new jobs in Marshall and economic development throughout the area. We are especially excited to support Ford’s conservation easement which will preserve Michigan’s natural beauty along the Kalamazoo River,” stated Marshall Mayor Jim Schwartz.

Photos from Ford

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