Ford's Affordable EV Truck Will Have Low-Cost LFP Batteries Built In America

Ford is taking a major step toward making electric vehicles more affordable by starting production of lithium iron phosphate battery cells in the United States. The cells will power Ford's upcoming compact electric pickup, which is slated to arrive in 2027 with a starting price around $30,000. The move marks a shift toward lower-cost EVs as competition grows in the mainstream market, with affordability considered essential for broad adoption. Production is underway at Ford's BlueOval Battery Park in Michigan, using licensed technology from CATL to build the new LFP chemistry.

Ford says its Michigan facility has produced its first full LFP battery cells, making it the first automaker in the United States to manufacture and ship LFP batteries for mainstream automotive applications. The strategy aims to lower costs and safeguard domestic manufacturing jobs while leveraging CATL's technology to accelerate scale. LFP batteries offer cheaper production, require fewer rare materials and provide strong thermal stability, with prismatic cells that are lighter and more space-efficient. The upcoming truck will ride on Ford's Universal Electric Vehicle platform, marking a new chapter in the company's EV rollout.