Ford Plans New Michigan Battery Plant

Ford’s commitment to driving the innovation and development of American electric vehicles has led to major investments, new jobs, and growth towards a promising and sustainable new future. Ford’s latest announcement shows the company taking yet another step in this direction. With an investment of $3.5 billion, Ford is planning the country’s first automaker-backed LFP battery plant in Michigan. This plant, called BlueOval Battery Park Michigan, will offer Ford customers a second type of EV battery technology in Ford’s electric 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,” said Bill Ford, Ford executive chair. “I am also proud that we chose our home state of Michigan for this critical battery production hub.”

The new Michigan battery plant will be creating LFP batteries, in addition to the NCM (nickel cobalt manganese) batteries that Ford EVs currently run on. Offering this second type of battery chemistry provides more options and flexibility for Ford vehicle owners. While NCM batteries have more energy and power and perform better in cold weather, LFP batteries cost less to produce and are made from more readily available materials, and have a better lifespan than NCM batteries. These LFP batteries will power the next generation of affordable electric passenger vehicles and trucks that are currently under development at Ford.

BlueOval Battery Park Michigan is slated to begin production in 2026, and will employ 2,500 people as a start, with the option to expand capacity in the future. Before the new plant is even open, LFP batteries will be introduced on the 2023 Mustang Mach-E and the 2024 F-150 Lightning, helping to increase production capacity and reduce wait times for customers.

“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 build both NCM and LFP batteries in the United States,” said Jim Farley, Ford president and CEO. “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.”

The plant will be located in Marshall, Michigan. 245 acres of land at the southern edge of the site, along the Kalamazoo River, will become a conservation easement, preserved and protected against future industrial development as a way to offset the presence of the plant and ensure the sustainability of the entire operation.

“The City of Marshall welcomes this exciting new partnership with Ford Motor Company,” said Marshall Mayor Jim Schwartz. “This investment in the local community will lead to an influx of new jobs to 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.”

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