Ford has made a major move to transition to LFP (lithium iron phosphate) batteries for its electric vehicle line. The Dearborn company is partnering with China’s CATL to provide Chinese LFP batteries and technology licensing for the new factory Ford plans to build in Michigan.
The new Marshall, MI factory will have an output of 35GWh per year in LFP batteries starting in 2026, and will be able to produce enough batteries for 400,000 vehicles. This means that 20% of Ford’s global EVs will be powered by the new plant. Ford will also be receiving LFP batteries from CATL’s Chinese factories for Mustang Mach-e’s later this year and Ford F-150 Lightnings starting in 2024.
Ford is using two separate battery chemistries for two separate use cases. NCM (nickel cobalt manganese) excels in power, speed, and cold weather performance, while LFP chemistry excels in cost, availability of materials, and life span. Tesla has been taking advantage of LFP batteries from CATL for their standard range batteries, and Ford is now following suit.
Ford’s new Mustang Mach-e standard range stands to gain some range from the LFP battery pack. During the presentation and subsequent Q&A, it was revealed that the new battery pack size is 78.21 kWh on 225Ah at 347.8V. Ford is also communicating that LFP cells are inherently safer than NMC and said that the pack safety requirements allowed them to build packs that would close the density gap somewhat.
Ford is investing $3.5 billion to build the LFP battery plant in Marshall, Michigan, and initial production is slated for 2026 with 2,500 employees to start. This is part of Ford’s $50 billion+ global push to lead the EV revolution and make EVs more accessible and affordable for customers.
Overall, Ford’s move to LFP batteries is a major step forward in the EV revolution, and will help make EVs more accessible and affordable for customers.
FAQ
Q1. When will electric cars be available in the UK?
A1. Electric cars are already available in the UK.
Q2. Where can I find electric car charging stations near me?
A2. You can use online resources such as Zap-Map to find electric car charging stations near you.
Q3. Which electric car is the best?
A3. The best electric car depends on your individual needs and preferences. It is recommended to research different models and compare features before making a purchase.
