Ford to use LFP batteries in its electric vehicles

Ford has announced it will be introducing lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries to its electric vehicles, starting with the Mustang Mach-E line-up in Europe this year.

Ford has also announced it is investing $3.5 billion to build an LFP battery plant in the U.S. – called BlueOval Battery Park Michigan – which will open in 2026.

Ford says that diversifying and localising Ford’s battery supply chain in the regions where it builds EVs will improve availability and affordability for customers. Ford is working to deliver an annual run rate of 600,000 electric vehicles globally by the end of this year and 2 million globally by the end of 2026 as part of its Ford+ plan.

Introducing LFP batteries allows Ford to produce more electric vehicles and offer more choices to new EV customers and helps support the company’s goal of an 8 percent EBIT margin for Model e by 2026.

Offering LFP as a second battery chemistry – in addition to nickel cobalt manganese (NCM) – allows Ford customers to choose an electric vehicle with unique battery performance characteristics most aligned with their needs.

LFP batteries are very durable and tolerate more frequent and faster charging while using fewer high-demand, high-cost materials. This lower-cost battery, at scale, will help Ford contain or even further reduce EV prices for customers. These LFP batteries will power a variety of affordable, next-generation Ford EV passenger vehicles and trucks under development.

Even before the new battery plant opens in Marshall, Michigan, U.S., Ford will introduce LFP batteries on Mustang Mach-E this year and F-150 Lightning in 2024 in key global markets, with a goal of reducing wait times for customers.

LFP battery technology also 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.