Ford turns to Chinese battery tech to close the EV gap by 2026
Ford, the American automaker, is set to leverage Chinese battery technology to stay competitive in the global electric vehicle (EV) market. The company acknowledges China's significant lead in battery technology, with Ford CEO Jim Farley admitting the gap is at least a decade.
Ford's BlueOval Battery Park, scheduled to open in 2026, will produce lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. This technology is sourced from China's Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL). The move comes as Chinese automakers expand their global influence, challenging Ford's dominance in the EV market.
The LFP battery chemistry was originally developed in the United States but was later acquired by Chinese firms. The Wanxiang Group, a Chinese company, bought the technology from A123 Systems LLC. Ford must now rely on this Chinese intellectual property to remain competitive. China currently controls 83% of global lithium-ion battery production.
Ford is also developing a more affordable EV to counter competition from China. By producing LFP batteries in the US using Chinese technology, Ford aims to bridge the gap in battery technology and maintain its position in the global EV market.
