- Ford suspends electric pickup production as consumer demand falls short of expectations
- Range-extended trucks replace purely electric models in Ford’s revised automotive strategy
- Battery factories shift away from vehicles to large-scale energy storage systems
Ford has halted production of its F-150 Lightning vehicle in favor of reassigning workers to assembling gasoline and hybrid trucks.
This shift in automotive strategy is reflected in changes in battery manufacturing plans, as Ford confirmed it will convert the Kentucky battery plant to produce lithium iron phosphate prismatic cells after ending its SK On joint venture.
These cells are not intended for passenger vehicles, but rather for large-scale stationary energy storage systems.
Battery factories reoriented towards stationary storage
Ford says this chemistry is suitable for use in data centers, where low costs, long life and safety trump priorities related to high energy density.
The Kentucky plant should start production within 18 months and ultimately reach an annual capacity of 20 GWh.
Rather than abandon excess battery capacity, Ford is creating a standalone battery storage business.
The company plans to invest approximately $2 billion over the next two years to manufacture LFP cells, modular storage units and containerized systems.
Shipments are expected to begin in 2027, with Ford touting the move as a response to growing demand from commercial network operators.
Ford will enter a market that already includes players such as Tesla and General Motors, both of which offer residential and commercial energy storage products.
Ford’s BlueOval Battery Park Michigan is on schedule to begin LFP battery production in 2026, using CATL-licensed technology.
These batteries are still intended for a future mid-size electric truck, even though the factory’s planned production has already been reduced from previous targets.
Ford also added plans to produce smaller capacity cells for residential energy storage systems at the same site.
Ford’s recent moves prompt caution about near-term demand for large electric trucks, as well as the belief that stationary storage can offer more stable returns.
The company is now prioritizing lower-cost models, conventional hybrids and range-extended electric vehicles, which it says better match current buyer expectations.
Via Ars Technica
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