- Ford halts production of electric trucks as consumer demand is lower than expected
- Range-extended trucks are replacing pure electric models in Ford’s revised automotive strategy
- Battery factories are abandoning vehicles to focus on large energy storage systems
Ford halted production of its F-150 Lightning vehicle and reassigned workers to assemble hybrid and gasoline trucks.
This shift in vehicle strategy is reflected in changes to battery production plans, as Ford confirmed that the company will convert its battery plant in Kentucky to produce prismatic lithium iron phosphate cells following the termination of the SK On joint venture.
These cells are not designed for cars, but for large-scale stationary energy storage systems.
Battery power plants become stationary storage batteries
Ford says this chemistry is suitable for use in data centers where lower cost, longevity and safety outweigh high energy density priorities.
The Kentucky power plant is expected to begin production within 18 months and reach an annual capacity of 20 GWh.
Instead of giving up excess battery capacity, Ford is creating a standalone battery storage company.
The company plans to invest approximately $2 billion over the next two years in the production of LFP cells, modular storage units and container systems.
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Deliveries are expected to begin in 2027 and Ford sees this as a response to growing demand from commercial operators.
Ford will enter a market that already includes players such as Tesla and General Motors, which offer energy storage products for residential and commercial use.
Ford’s BlueOval Battery Park in Michigan is expected to begin manufacturing LFP batteries in 2026 using CATL-licensed technology.
These batteries are still intended for a future medium-sized electric truck, although the plant’s planned output has already been reduced from previous targets.
Ford also added plans to produce lower-capacity cells for residential energy storage systems at the same site.
Ford’s latest decision calls for caution on demand for large EVs in the near term and assumes that stationary storage can provide more stable returns.
The company is now prioritizing cheaper models, conventional hybrids and long-range electric vehicles, which it believes better match the expectations of current buyers.
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