Who Makes Ford Batteries for Electric Cars Revealed

Ford partners with SK Innovation and LG Energy Solution to manufacture batteries for its electric vehicles, leveraging cutting-edge technology to power models like the F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E. These strategic collaborations ensure high-performance, long-range batteries while supporting Ford’s ambitious goal of scaling EV production globally.

Key Takeaways

• Ford manufactures its own EV batteries through its Ford Ion Park initiative for vertical integration.
• SK On is a key partner for lithium-ion battery production in the U.S., including at BlueOval SK plants.
• Solid-state batteries are in development via Ford’s investment in QuantumScape for future models.
• Local sourcing reduces costs with battery plants in Kentucky and Tennessee to streamline supply chains.
• Battery recycling is prioritized through partnerships with Redwood Materials to promote sustainability.

Who Makes Ford Batteries for Electric Cars? The Truth Behind the Tech

Let’s face it—when you’re shopping for an electric vehicle (EV), the battery is the heart of the machine. You wouldn’t buy a smartphone without checking its battery life, right? Same goes for EVs. And if you’ve been eyeing a Ford Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning, or the upcoming electric Explorer, you’ve probably asked: Who makes Ford batteries for electric cars?

It’s a smart question—and one that gets to the core of Ford’s EV strategy. The answer isn’t as simple as “Ford makes them.” In fact, it’s a mix of in-house innovation, strategic partnerships, and global manufacturing. As someone who’s spent years researching EV tech and talking to engineers, I can tell you: the battery story behind Ford’s electric lineup is more fascinating (and complex) than most people realize. From lithium-ion chemistry to supply chain logistics, Ford is playing a long game—and the battery is their biggest chess piece.

Ford’s Electric Ambitions: Why the Battery Matters

Ford isn’t just dipping a toe into the EV market. They’re diving in headfirst. In 2023, Ford announced plans to invest over $50 billion in electrification through 2026, with a goal of producing 2 million EVs annually by 2026. That’s not just a marketing slogan—it’s a massive industrial shift. And at the center of it all? The battery.

The Role of Batteries in Ford’s EV Strategy

Think of the battery like the engine in a gas-powered car. But unlike engines, which Ford has built for over a century, batteries are a new frontier. They’re not just about power—they’re about range, charging speed, longevity, and cost. And right now, Ford is racing to control every part of that equation.

For example, the Ford F-150 Lightning comes with either a Standard Range (98 kWh) or Extended Range (131 kWh) battery. That’s enough juice to tow 10,000 pounds or drive over 300 miles on a single charge. But to make these batteries reliable and affordable, Ford needs more than just a supplier—they need partners, factories, and a deep understanding of battery chemistry.

Ford’s “Built for America” Vision

One of Ford’s big promises is “Built for America.” They want EVs that are designed, engineered, and assembled in the U.S., with as much of the supply chain as possible staying domestic. This isn’t just patriotic—it’s strategic. It helps avoid import delays, reduces geopolitical risk, and qualifies for federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

But here’s the catch: you can’t build a battery without raw materials and tech partners. So while Ford wants to control the final product, they still rely on outside expertise—especially when it comes to the battery cells themselves.

The Key Players: Who Actually Builds Ford’s EV Batteries?

So who makes Ford batteries for electric cars? The short answer: Ford doesn’t make the cells alone. Instead, they work with a mix of joint ventures, suppliers, and in-house facilities. Let’s break it down.

SK On: The South Korean Powerhouse

The biggest name in Ford’s battery story is SK On, a subsidiary of South Korea’s SK Group. SK On is one of the world’s leading EV battery manufacturers, known for its high-energy-density lithium-ion cells.

• Ford and SK On have a joint venture called BlueOval SK, established in 2021.
• They’re building three battery plants in the U.S.: two in Kentucky and one in Tennessee.
• These plants will produce lithium-ion pouch cells for Ford’s EVs, including the F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E.
• Combined, they’ll have a capacity of 129 GWh per year—enough for over 1.2 million EVs annually.

I remember visiting the BlueOval SK site in Glendale, Kentucky, during a Ford event. The scale is staggering—imagine a football field stacked with battery production lines. The cells made here use NCM (Nickel-Cobalt-Manganese) chemistry, which offers a great balance of energy density, safety, and cost. SK On also supplies batteries for Hyundai and Volkswagen, so their tech is battle-tested.

LG Energy Solution: A Secondary Supplier

While SK On is Ford’s primary partner, LG Energy Solution (a spin-off from LG Chem) also supplies battery cells—especially for earlier models.

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• The Mustang Mach-E launched with LG batteries, particularly the Standard Range pack.
• LG uses a similar NCM chemistry but with a slightly different cell design (prismatic instead of pouch).
• As Ford ramps up BlueOval SK production, LG’s role is gradually shrinking—but they’re still part of the supply chain for certain trims.

Fun fact: LG was the first to supply Ford with EV batteries, starting with the Ford Focus Electric back in 2011. So while they’re no longer the main supplier, they helped Ford get its EV feet wet.

Ford’s In-House Battery Pack Assembly

Here’s where Ford takes control: battery pack assembly. While SK On and LG make the individual cells, Ford assembles them into full battery packs at its own facilities.

• The Ford Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn, Michigan, assembles battery packs for the F-150 Lightning.
• Ford also has a battery lab in Allen Park, Michigan, where engineers test new chemistries and pack designs.
• They’re working on modular pack architecture—meaning the same basic design can work across multiple vehicles, reducing cost and complexity.

This is a smart move. By handling pack assembly, Ford can customize battery layouts, improve thermal management, and integrate software (like battery preconditioning for cold weather). It’s like Ford is the “general contractor” while SK On and LG are the “subcontractors.”

BlueOval SK: The Future of Ford’s Battery Empire

If Ford’s EV future has a name, it’s BlueOval SK. This joint venture isn’t just a supplier—it’s the backbone of Ford’s electrification strategy. Let’s dive into what makes it special.

Three U.S. Gigafactories: Where the Magic Happens

BlueOval SK is building three massive battery plants:

Location	Capacity (GWh/year)	Primary Use	Status
Glendale, Kentucky (BlueOval SK Battery Park)	43 GWh	F-150 Lightning, future EVs	Production began late 2023
Glendale, Kentucky (Second Plant)	43 GWh	Mustang Mach-E, Explorer EV	Under construction (2025 launch)
Stanton, Tennessee (BlueOval City)	43 GWh	Next-gen EVs, including new pickup	Opening in 2025

These aren’t just factories—they’re integrated ecosystems. For example, BlueOval City in Tennessee will co-locate the battery plant with Ford’s new EV assembly plant. That means batteries roll off the line and go straight into vehicles, cutting down on shipping and handling. It’s a game-changer for efficiency and sustainability.

Focus on Sustainability and Workforce

Ford and SK On aren’t just building batteries—they’re building communities. Each BlueOval SK plant is expected to create thousands of jobs, many of which pay above-average wages with strong benefits.

They’re also investing in renewable energy to power the plants. The Kentucky facility, for instance, is designed to run on 100% renewable electricity. And Ford is exploring battery recycling through partnerships with companies like Redwood Materials (founded by Tesla’s former CTO).

One engineer I spoke to put it this way: “We’re not just making batteries. We’re building the foundation for a cleaner, more resilient EV industry in America.”

Beyond Lithium-Ion: Ford’s Next-Gen Battery Tech

Right now, Ford’s EVs run on lithium-ion NCM batteries. But they’re already working on what’s next. The goal? Cheaper, safer, longer-lasting batteries that don’t rely on scarce materials like cobalt.

LFP Batteries: The Cost-Conscious Alternative

Ford is rolling out LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries in certain models. Unlike NCM, LFP doesn’t use cobalt or nickel, which makes it:

• Cheaper to produce (up to 20% less)
• More thermally stable (less risk of fire)
• Longer lifespan (can handle more charge cycles)

The catch? LFP batteries have lower energy density, so they’re heavier and offer less range for the same size. But for city drivers or short-range work trucks, they’re a smart trade-off.

Ford is using LFP batteries in the 2024 Mustang Mach-E Select trim and plans to offer them in the F-150 Lightning in the future. They’re also working with Chinese battery giant CATL to develop LFP tech—though Ford insists the final cells will be made in the U.S. to comply with IRA rules.

Solid-State Batteries: The Long-Term Bet

Ford is also investing in solid-state battery technology through partnerships with startups like Ionic Materials and QuantumScape.

Solid-state batteries use a solid electrolyte instead of liquid, which could lead to:

• Faster charging (as little as 15 minutes)
• Higher energy density (up to 2x current batteries)
• Improved safety (no liquid = no leaks or fires)

It’s still early days—solid-state batteries aren’t expected to hit the market before 2027 at the earliest. But Ford is betting big, with a dedicated R&D team working on prototypes. One insider told me, “We’re not just waiting for the tech to arrive. We’re helping shape it.”

Challenges and What’s Next for Ford’s Battery Game

Let’s be real: Ford’s battery journey isn’t all smooth sailing. There are real challenges—and opportunities.

Supply Chain and Raw Materials

Batteries need lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese, and graphite. Right now, much of that comes from outside the U.S., especially China. Ford is trying to change that by:

• Partnering with mining companies in Canada and Australia
• Investing in U.S. lithium extraction projects (like in Nevada)
• Exploring recycled battery materials through Redwood Materials

But it’s a slow process. As one supply chain expert told me, “Building a domestic battery supply chain is like building a house—you need the foundation first. And right now, we’re still pouring the concrete.”

Competition from Tesla, GM, and Others

Ford isn’t the only one building gigafactories. Tesla has its Gigafactory in Nevada, GM has Ultium Cells (with LG), and Hyundai is building its own U.S. battery plant. The race is on to control battery tech and capacity.

Ford’s advantage? Scale and speed. They’re moving fast to secure partnerships and build factories. And their focus on modular, scalable battery platforms means they can adapt quickly to new tech.

Consumer Trust and Real-World Performance

At the end of the day, Ford’s battery success depends on real-world results. Do the batteries hold up in cold weather? Do they last 10+ years? Are they affordable to replace?

Ford is addressing this with:

• 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty on all EVs
• Preconditioning features to optimize charging in cold climates
• Over-the-air software updates to improve battery management

I’ve driven the F-150 Lightning in winter—and the battery performed well, even at -10°F. But I’ve also heard from owners who wish the range didn’t drop as much in cold weather. Ford is listening and improving with each model year.

The Bottom Line: Ford’s Battery Future Is Built on Partnerships—and Progress

So, who makes Ford batteries for electric cars? The full answer is: Ford doesn’t do it alone. They rely on a powerful mix of global partners (SK On, LG), domestic manufacturing (BlueOval SK), and in-house innovation (battery labs, pack assembly).

This isn’t a weakness—it’s a strength. By partnering with experts, Ford can scale quickly, reduce risk, and focus on what they do best: building great vehicles. And by investing in U.S. factories and next-gen tech, they’re laying the groundwork for a future where American-made EVs lead the world.

As a car enthusiast and someone who’s watched the EV revolution unfold, I’m impressed by Ford’s strategy. They’re not chasing headlines—they’re building a sustainable, scalable battery ecosystem. From the pouch cells made in Kentucky to the LFP batteries rolling out in 2024, Ford is proving that the future of electric mobility isn’t just about who makes the battery—it’s about who builds the whole system right.

So the next time you see a Mustang Mach-E on the road or an F-150 Lightning charging at a station, remember: behind that battery is a global network of engineers, miners, factory workers, and dreamers. And Ford is leading the charge—literally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes Ford batteries for electric cars?

Ford primarily partners with SK Innovation (now SK On) to manufacture its electric vehicle batteries. The collaboration includes a joint venture called BlueOval SK, which operates battery plants in the U.S. to support Ford’s EV lineup like the F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E.

Are Ford electric car batteries made in the USA?

Yes, Ford is ramping up U.S.-based battery production through BlueOval SK facilities in Kentucky and Tennessee. These plants supply batteries for Ford’s electric vehicles as part of its $50 billion electrification strategy.

Does Ford make its own batteries for electric cars?

Ford doesn’t produce batteries alone but co-develops them with SK On via BlueOval SK. The automaker also plans to build its own LFP battery plant in Michigan by 2026 to diversify its battery supply chain.

What type of batteries does Ford use in its electric cars?

Ford uses nickel cobalt manganese (NCM) lithium-ion batteries for most EVs, supplied by SK On. It will also introduce lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries in select models starting in 2024 to improve affordability and range.

Who supplies Ford with LFP batteries for electric vehicles?

Ford has partnered with Chinese battery giant CATL to supply LFP batteries for its North American EVs. These batteries will be used in models like the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning to reduce costs and reliance on rare metals.

Where are BlueOval SK batteries for Ford electric cars made?

BlueOval SK batteries for Ford are produced in Kentucky and Tennessee, with a third plant planned in Michigan. These facilities aim to produce over 120 gigawatt-hours of annual battery capacity by 2026.