Ford is starting a battery storage business to power data centers and the grid 

Ford is launching a new battery storage business as part of its strategic shift away from producing large electric vehicles. Instead of abandoning its battery production plans, Ford will repurpose its existing Kentucky factory to manufacture lithium iron phosphate (LFP) prismatic cells and battery energy storage system modules, using technology licensed from China’s CATL. The company aims to build 20 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of annual capacity and plans to start shipping these battery storage systems in 2027. Ford is investing approximately $2 billion over the next two years into this venture, targeting primarily commercial grid customers, with data centers as a secondary market and eventual plans to offer home storage products. This move positions Ford alongside other automakers like Tesla and General Motors, who have already entered the battery storage market. Tesla, for example, deploys around 10 GWh of battery storage every quarter. Ford’s decision leverages its century-long manufacturing expertise and existing technology licenses to create a natural extension of its business. The