[RDale]

Ford has announced that they are spending $3.5 billion to build a new lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries in Marshall Michigan.

They're the first car company to commit to making both nickel cobalt manganese (NCM) and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries in the U.S.

https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2023/02/13/ford-taps-michigan-for-new-lfp-battery-plant--new-battery-chemis.html

• Ford is the first automaker to commit to build both nickel cobalt manganese (NCM) and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries in the U.S., helping America’s No. 2 EV company in 2022 bring EVs to more customers and diversify its U.S. supply chain
• Ford is investing $3.5 billion to build an LFP battery plant in Marshall, Michigan; this wholly owned subsidiary is part of Ford’s $50 billion+ global push to lead the EV revolution. Initial production slated for 2026 with 2,500 employees to start
• Adding LFP batteries to Ford’s EV lineup this year – starting with Mustang Mach-E – and backing a U.S. LFP battery plant are key parts of the company’s Ford+ plan; this helps Ford scale more quickly, making EVs more accessible and affordable for customers
• LFP batteries are exceptionally durable using fewer high-demand, high-cost materials and will help power a variety of Ford’s next-generation of EV passenger vehicles and pickups; new LFP plant will add approximately 35 gigawatt hours (GWh) of LFP battery capacity
• Ford and its battery tech collaborators have announced $17.6 billion in investment in EV and battery production in the United States since 2019, leading to more than 18,000 direct jobs in the U.S. and more than 100,000 indirect jobs

MARSHALL, Mich., Feb. 13, 2023 – Building on Ford’s commitment to American manufacturing, Ford announced today it is investing $3.5 billion to build the country’s first automaker-backed LFP battery plant, offering customers a second battery technology within Ford’s EV lineup.

This plant – called BlueOval Battery Park Michigan – initially will employ 2,500 people when production of LFP batteries begins in 2026. Ford will have the option to further grow its battery capacity at its Marshall, Michigan, plant, which will be part of a wholly owned Ford subsidiary.

With this $3.5 billion investment, Ford and its battery tech collaborators have announced $17.6 billion in investments in electric vehicle and battery production in the United States since 2019, as part of the company’s commitment to invest over $50 billion in electric vehicles globally through 2026. In the next three years, these investments will lead to more than 18,000 direct jobs in Michigan, Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio and Missouri and more than 100,000 indirect jobs, according to the methodology from a 2020 independent study.

“We are committed to leading the electric vehicle revolution in America, and that means investing in the technology and jobs that will keep us on the cutting edge of this global transformation in our industry,” said Bill Ford, Ford executive chair. “I am also proud that we chose our home state of Michigan for this critical battery production hub.”

Diversifying and localizing Ford’s battery supply chain in the countries where it builds EVs will improve availability and affordability for customers while strengthening consumer demand. Ford is working to deliver an annual run rate of 600,000 electric vehicles globally by the end of this year and 2 million globally by the end of 2026 as part of its Ford+ plan.

As the company rapidly scales EV production, introducing LFP batteries allows Ford to produce more electric vehicles and offer more choices to new EV customers, and helps support the company’s goal of an 8 percent EBIT margin for Model e by 2026.

LFP Battery Chemistry to Benefit Ford Customers

Offering LFP as a second battery chemistry – in addition to nickel cobalt manganese (NCM) – allows Ford customers to choose an electric vehicle with unique battery performance characteristics most aligned with their needs.

LFP batteries are very durable and tolerate more frequent and faster charging while using fewer high-demand, high-cost materials. This lower-cost battery, at scale, will help Ford contain or even further reduce EV prices for customers. These LFP batteries will power a variety of affordable, next-generation Ford EV passenger vehicles and trucks under development, most of which will be assembled in the U.S.

“Ford’s electric vehicle lineup has generated huge demand. To get as many Ford EVs to customers as possible, we’re the first automaker to commit to build both NCM and LFP batteries in the United States,” said Jim Farley, Ford president and CEO. “We’re delivering on our commitments as we scale LFP and NCM batteries and thousands, and soon millions, of customers will begin to reap the benefits of Ford EVs with cutting-edge, durable battery technologies that are growing more affordable over time.”

Even before the new battery plant opens, Ford will introduce LFP batteries on Mustang Mach-E this year and F-150 Lightning in 2024 to increase production capacity, with a goal of reducing wait times for customers.

Commitment to American Manufacturing

This all-new battery production facility in Michigan will add approximately 35 gigawatt hours per year of new battery capacity for Ford in the U.S. initially – capable of powering approximately 400,000 future Ford EVs.

“Ford’s $3.5 billion investment creating 2,500 good-paying jobs in Marshall building electric vehicle batteries will build on Michigan’s economic momentum,” said Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Today’s generational investment by an American icon will uplift local families, small businesses, and the entire community and help our state continue leading the future of mobility and electrification. Let’s continue bringing the supply chain of electric vehicles, chips, and batteries home while creating thousands of good-paying jobs and revitalizing every region of our state. Since I took office, we’ve secured over 30,000 auto jobs and landed multiple electric vehicle and chip-making factories. We’re on the move, so let’s keep our foot on the accelerator.”

As part of Ford’s plan to offer a new battery chemistry and source in key regions where it produces EVs, Ford has reached a new agreement with Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL) – the world’s leading battery manufacturer. Under the arrangement, Ford’s wholly owned subsidiary would manufacture the battery cells using LFP battery cell knowledge and services provided by CATL, which has operated 13 plants in Europe and Asia.

Ford engineers will integrate these LFP battery cells into its vehicles. This new agreement with CATL adds to Ford’s existing battery capacity and available battery technology made possible through a series of key collaborations – including with SK On and LG Energy Solution (LGES).

Sustainable EV Supply Chain

LFP battery technology helps reduce reliance on critical minerals such as nickel and cobalt and is in line with Ford’s work to create an EV supply chain that upholds its commitments to sustainability and human rights.

Ford already has committed to achieving carbon neutrality globally across its vehicles, operations and supply chain by 2050. Ford was among the first American automakers to align with the international community to limit the impacts of global warming as part of the Paris Agreement and joined RouteZero, a global coalition working toward zero-emission cars and vans globally by 2040 and in leading markets like the U.S., Europe and China by 2035. Ford also was the first U.S. automaker to release a human rights report.

Community Support

The company is ensuring that 245 acres at the southern edge of the site are placed into a conservation easement. This land, along the Kalamazoo River, will be preserved for generations to come and protected against future industrial development. Ford will work with government officials and community leaders to preserve natural resources and recreation near the facility, as part of its commitment to being a good neighbor. The Ford Fund also will contribute resources to help the community explore how to best enjoy this beautiful land.

“The City of Marshall welcomes this exciting new partnership with Ford Motor Company,” said Marshall Mayor Jim Schwartz. “This investment in the local community will lead to an influx of new jobs to Marshall and economic development throughout the area. We are especially excited to support Ford’s conservation easement which will preserve Michigan’s natural beauty along the Kalamazoo River.”

 

[RDale]

The Verge has a great article out explaining why Ford is going to be building LFP batteries.

Ford’s EVs are getting faster charging and more affordable batteries thanks to new chemistry

LFP batteries are cheaper to make than most other batteries.

www.theverge.com

Most of today’s EVs use lithium-ion batteries whose cathodes use NCM chemistries. But NCM also has a lot of baggage, due mostly to cobalt, which has been called the “blood diamond of batteries” because it’s been mined in a way that’s endangered child workers and wrecked the environment in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In contrast, LFP batteries tend to be cheaper and longer lasting but aren’t as energy dense as NCM batteries. LFP batteries are also less complex to produce. The new factory with CATL will add approximately 35 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of LFP battery capacity, the company adds.

“They are exceptionally durable and they tolerate more frequent and faster DC fast charging,” Lisa Drake, vice president of EV industrialization at Ford model e, the company’s EV division, said during a briefing with reporters Monday. “And they actually perform best when they’re being charged from zero to 100 percent regularly. And that is ideal for customers who want to drive all the way to empty and then charge quickly back to 100 percent.”

The vehicles with LFP batteries will also be more affordable than Ford’s current lineup — though how much more affordable, the company wasn’t prepared to say. We may not have to wait too long to find out, as the company says it expects to introduce its first LFP-powered Mustang Mach-E later this year and F-150 Lightning next year. (Ford recently slashed Mach-E prices in a bid to compete with the No. 1 EV seller, Tesla.)

 

[THEsocalledfan]

The Verge has a great article out explaining why Ford is going to be building LFP batteries.

Ford’s EVs are getting faster charging and more affordable batteries thanks to new chemistry

LFP batteries are cheaper to make than most other batteries.

www.theverge.com

Most of today’s EVs use lithium-ion batteries whose cathodes use NCM chemistries. But NCM also has a lot of baggage, due mostly to cobalt, which has been called the “blood diamond of batteries” because it’s been mined in a way that’s endangered child workers and wrecked the environment in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In contrast, LFP batteries tend to be cheaper and longer lasting but aren’t as energy dense as NCM batteries. LFP batteries are also less complex to produce. The new factory with CATL will add approximately 35 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of LFP battery capacity, the company adds.

“They are exceptionally durable and they tolerate more frequent and faster DC fast charging,” Lisa Drake, vice president of EV industrialization at Ford model e, the company’s EV division, said during a briefing with reporters Monday. “And they actually perform best when they’re being charged from zero to 100 percent regularly. And that is ideal for customers who want to drive all the way to empty and then charge quickly back to 100 percent.”

The vehicles with LFP batteries will also be more affordable than Ford’s current lineup — though how much more affordable, the company wasn’t prepared to say. We may not have to wait too long to find out, as the company says it expects to introduce its first LFP-powered Mustang Mach-E later this year and F-150 Lightning next year. (Ford recently slashed Mach-E prices in a bid to compete with the No. 1 EV seller, Tesla.)

So, will this just be the standard range lightning then due to the density issue?

 

[Voltz]

To think, my governor flat-out rejected this battery plant in the most economically depressed region of our state because of CATL. Ford already closed and moved 2,600 jobs from a high quality F-150 assembly plant to Michigan in 2007.

 

[fhteagle]

Downside to conventional LFP is they risk damage if you try to charge them below 0C. I have heard of this being solved in new modified LFP chemistries the lab, but AFAIK those are not yet commercially available. If someone knows different, please let me know.

LFP capacity fade in cold weather is also noticably worse than NCM/NCA type chemistries. Those in northern climates should definitely factor this into your purchase decision.

Good news is LFP cycle life is often way better, and they can take more "abuse". Great for high frequency local use.

 

[Voltz]

Great for high frequency local use.

This is the huge market that Ford needs to pursue, IMHO. Trades people and small fleet owners understand Total Cost of Ownership better than anybody. I think advertising to well-heeled recreational tow-ers was a mistake. There aren't too many cases where a 250-mile range good towing, overnight-charging truck doesn't meet range requirements for local businesses.

 

[ChasingCoral]

To think, my governor flat-out rejected this battery plant in the most economically depressed region of our state because of CATL. Ford already closed and moved 2,600 jobs from a high quality F-150 assembly plant to Michigan in 2007.

It's a shame VA Governor Youngkin seems to have chosen to score points for his planned presidential run rather than take action that would have benefited his constituents. VA's loss is MI's gain.

 

[R.I.P.]

Downside to conventional LFP is they risk damage if you try to charge them below 0C. I have heard of this being solved in new modified LFP chemistries the lab, but AFAIK those are not yet commercially available. If someone knows different, please let me know.

LFP capacity fade in cold weather is also noticably worse than NCM/NCA type chemistries. Those in northern climates should definitely factor this into your purchase decision.

Good news is LFP cycle life is often way better, and they can take more "abuse". Great for high frequency local use.

An effective battery conditioning system removes this problem from the table.

 

[fhteagle]

An effective battery conditioning system removes this problem from the table.

I would say a good battery thermal management system can mitigate the cold weather disadvantages of LFP, but not remove them. Lightning has all resistive heating, correct? That's a lot of killerwatthours to put into re-heating the battery after a cold soak away from a plug. Even if Ford moved up to a heat pump, they all have a temperature point where their COP drops to 1. Even on grid power, that's more time and consumption and emissions needed to get the battery up to temp before it can start charging.

Will it be a huge factor? Maybe, maybe not. But buyers should be aware of which batteries they are getting and how well it fits their worst case use case or not.

 

[R.I.P.]

I would say a good battery thermal management system can mitigate the cold weather disadvantages of LFP, but not remove them. Lightning has all resistive heating, correct? That's a lot of killerwatthours to put into re-heating the battery after a cold soak away from a plug. Even if Ford moved up to a heat pump, they all have a temperature point where their COP drops to 1. Even on grid power, that's more time and consumption and emissions needed to get the battery up to temp before it can start charging.

Will it be a huge factor? Maybe, maybe not. But buyers should be aware of which batteries they are getting and how well it fits their worst case use case or not.

I have followed Tesla's move to LFP pretty closely, and have used the chemistry in a number of conversions. Tesla is pretty thorough when it makes a move, and I have few if any reservations about the steps they are using to mitigate the thermal downside.

It is no secret that I am no fan of Ford's current pack design. I think their move to LFP is one step in the right direction, as they suffer less from the thermal issues their current packs are likely to encounter. The thermal plate located under the pack in their current design should have little trouble keeping the pack out of danger zones, although in the coldest of areas you are right; you would not want to leave the truck unplugged for a protracted period of time.

https://www.allaboutcircuits.com/news/a-closer-look-at-lithium-iron-phosphate-batteries-teslas-new-choice-of-battery/