Ford Energy & EDF Target 20GWh of Energy Storage for EVs

American automaker Ford has established a new subsidiary called Ford Energy to produce battery energy storage systems. The move is an example of how traditional automotive manufacturers are adapting their production facilities as the energy transition creates demand for storage infrastructure.

The company is converting its EV battery manufacturing site in Glendale, Kentucky, to produce these systems. According to Ford, it intends to deploy at least 20GWh annually with initial customer deliveries scheduled for 2027.

"Ford Energy allows us to maximise the value of our battery manufacturing capabilities," says Lisa Drake, President of Ford Energy.

"We're building a business focused first on utility-scale battery energy storage systems for large customers while also offering battery cells for residential energy storage solutions."

Repurposing existing manufacturing infrastructure

Ford is repurposing its Glendale site rather than constructing new facilities. The location was previously part of BlueOval SK, a 50/50 joint venture between Ford and SK On that produced EV batteries.

The site contained two of the three plants planned for the venture. According to Ford, the company announced a US$19.5bn strategic reset in December 2025.

The reset cancelled plans for next-generation large electric trucks and pure EV commercial vans. Ford shifted its focus to affordable small EVs, hybrids and extended range electric vehicles that use combustion engines as generators.

The joint venture was dissolved and all workers at the Kentucky plant were laid off in February 2026. The facility now houses Ford Energy and will manufacture battery energy storage systems.

Framework agreement with EDF

EDF power solutions North America, part of the EDF Group, has signed a five-year framework agreement with Ford Energy. According to the agreement, EDF can procure up to 4GWh of battery energy storage systems each year.

The total potential volume reaches 20GWh over the agreement's full term. Deliveries under this agreement are expected to begin in 2028.

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"As we continue to expand our energy storage portfolio, supply chain reliability and product quality are paramount," says Tristan Grimbert, CEO of EDF power solutions North America.

"Ford Energy's commitment to domestic manufacturing and its rigorous approach to traceability and lifecycle support align with the standards we hold across our portfolio."

"This framework agreement gives us the supply visibility and product confidence we need to execute at the pace the energy transition demands," says Tristan.

Growing market for storage

Advancements in lithium-ion and emerging chemistries have reduced average global battery energy storage system prices to roughly a third of 2020 levels. Technologies like data centres and renewable energy, alongside requirements for grid resilience, are boosting demand for these systems.

According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, battery energy storage systems in the US are expected to see up to 70GWh of growth in 2026 alone. Manufacturing capacity, however, is limited across the supply chain.

According to Wood Mackenzie, US battery cell manufacturing capacity met only around 6% of domestic demand in 2025. This supply constraint could mean opportunities for manufacturers with existing production facilities.

Technical specifications and applications

Ford Energy's flagship product is the DC Block, designed for utility-scale applications.

These include frequency regulation, voltage support, energy arbitrage, peak load shifting, demand response, backup power and microgrid integration.

The Block is a standardised, 20-foot containerised energy storage system with a capacity of 5.45MWh per unit.

According to Ford Energy, the system is available in two-hour and four-hour discharge configurations.

It has an operating voltage range of 1,040 to 1,500 VDC and integrated liquid-cooled thermal management.