Will Ford’s US$3bn Sustainable Battery Park Transform EVs?
Ford is advancing its clean energy ambitions at BlueOval Battery Park Michigan, a facility dedicated to producing lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cells in the United States.
The build-out of the plant’s structure is complete, with major mechanical, electrical and piping work well underway.
State-of-the-art LFP battery cell production equipment is already operational off-site, where it is being used to produce C-sample cells, the final prototype stage before production readiness.
This parallel work allows Ford to accelerate training and commissioning, ensuring that once the equipment arrives in Michigan, US, the transition to full-scale production will be seamless.
Building domestic capacity
The BlueOval Battery Park Michigan facility spans almost a mile, with its cell plant running 0.6 miles along the site’s spine.
Once equipment is installed, areas of the facility will be sealed and gradually transitioned into clean room status under strict protocols.
Polished floors and a tightly controlled environment will ensure that battery cells meet the highest quality standards.
For the first time, an American company is manufacturing LFP cells and packs domestically, without a foreign joint venture.
“We remain on track to start production of these batteries next year,” says Lisa Drake, Vice President, Technology Platform Programs and EV Systems at Ford.
Driving affordability and innovation
Ford is positioning LFP chemistry as a cornerstone of its next-generation EVs.
Known for being the lowest-cost battery technology currently available for automotive use, LFP offers opportunities to lower costs while improving safety, energy density and charging times.
- LFP chemistry refers to Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4), a cathode material used in lithium-ion batteries.
- LFP known for its safety, long cycle life, and ability to charge rapidly, making it a popular choice for various applications, including electric vehicles and energy storage systems.
- They can withstand a large number of charge/discharge cycles, often exceeding 3,000 and potentially reaching more than 10,000 under optimal conditions.
The company says that achieving affordability for EV customers requires both innovation and scale.
By establishing a wholly owned facility with world-class LFP production technology, Ford is ensuring expertise and control remain in-house.
This approach, the company argues, will allow the US to finally build LFP batteries at scale and compete in the global energy storage market.
“Our industry is experiencing change at a remarkable rate and magnitude and Ford is seizing this opportunity to lead and help build a better world,” says Bill Ford, Executive Chair of Ford, in Ford’s 2025 Integrated Sustainability and Financial Report.
Economic and social impact
Beyond technological innovation, the project carries a strong economic and social dimension.
The US$3bn investment will create approximately 1,700 jobs in Michigan, supporting American workers in a rapidly expanding clean energy industry.
By localising battery production, Ford aims to provide greater value for its customers through more affordable EVs, while simultaneously contributing to US manufacturing strength and climate goals.
