US: Ford shifts focus from EV batteries to power data centers, grid

Ford is shifting part of its focus from electric vehicle (EV) battery production to large-scale energy storage systems aimed at powering data centers and grid infrastructure. The automaker plans to repurpose its Glendale, Kentucky battery plant to manufacture advanced battery energy storage systems (BESS) with capacities exceeding five megawatt-hours, targeting commercial grid customers primarily, with data centers as a secondary market. Ford intends to leverage its licensed lithium iron phosphate (LFP) prismatic cell technology and extensive manufacturing experience to bring initial production online within 18 months, aiming for 20 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of annual capacity by 2027. The company is investing approximately $2 billion over the next two years to scale this new business alongside its vehicle manufacturing operations. This strategic move follows a recent joint venture restructuring involving Ford, SK On, SK Battery America, and BlueOval SK, where Ford will independently own and operate the Kentucky battery plants. Additionally, Ford’s BlueOval Battery Park in Michigan will produce