Ford is reportedly on track to begin series production of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cells in the United States, marking a significant milestone in the automaker’s efforts to reduce electric vehicle costs and expand domestic battery manufacturing.
According to reports from CBT News and other industry sources, Ford has already begun producing so-called “D-Sample” battery cells at its BlueOval Battery Park Michigan facility in Marshall, Michigan. The cells are being manufactured using production-intent materials and are currently undergoing final validation and testing ahead of commercial production.
LFP batteries targeted for next-generation EVs
The batteries are expected to power Ford’s upcoming affordable electric pickup truck, which will be built on the company’s new Universal EV Platform and is scheduled to launch in 2027.
Ford reportedly aims to begin producing market-ready battery cells before the end of 2026 as the facility ramps toward commercial-scale operations.
CATL technology underpins production
The Michigan facility uses battery technology licensed from Chinese battery giant CATL.
Unlike a traditional joint venture, the plant is fully owned by Ford, giving the company direct control over manufacturing operations and intellectual property usage within the facility.
However, CATL continues to play an important role in supporting the production ramp-up. According to CBT News, employees from the Chinese battery manufacturer have provided technical training and manufacturing expertise to help Ford establish production processes and improve operational efficiency at the plant.
Facility ramp-up remains on schedule
Ford first announced plans for the Marshall battery facility in 2023, stating that production would begin in 2026.
At the time, the company outlined plans for a future annual production capacity of 35GWh and a workforce of approximately 2,500 employees.
Current reports indicate the facility is progressing according to schedule. Ford is expected to employ around 800 workers by the end of this year, with staffing eventually increasing to approximately 1,700 employees.
The company has not yet clarified whether the revised employment figures correspond to the plant’s final expansion phase or a partial buildout.
Strategic shift toward lower-cost batteries
The adoption of LFP battery chemistry represents an important strategic shift for Ford.
Historically, the automaker relied primarily on nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) batteries for its electric vehicles. While NCM batteries offer higher energy density and stronger cold-weather performance, they are generally more expensive to produce.
LFP batteries offer several advantages, including:
- Lower production costs
- Greater raw material availability
- Improved durability and cycle life
- Enhanced thermal stability
These characteristics make LFP technology particularly attractive for mass-market electric vehicles where affordability is a key priority.
Battery strategy continues to evolve
Ford’s growing focus on LFP batteries follows broader changes in its battery strategy.
In December, the automaker dissolved its BlueOval SK battery joint venture structure with South Korean battery manufacturer SK On, although both companies retained ownership interests in battery facilities located in Kentucky and Tennessee.
Industry observers have pointed to differences in battery chemistry priorities as one factor behind the shift. While SK On remains heavily focused on nickel-rich NMC batteries, Ford has increasingly emphasized diversification into lower-cost technologies such as LFP and lithium manganese-rich (LMR) batteries.
Supporting future EV growth
The Marshall facility is expected to play a key role in Ford’s long-term electrification plans by providing domestically produced battery cells for future electric vehicles while reducing reliance on imported battery components.
As competition intensifies in the global EV market and manufacturers seek ways to lower vehicle costs, Ford’s investment in LFP battery production reflects a broader industry trend toward more affordable and scalable battery technologies.
Source: CBT News