It is learned from KanKan News that on February 13 (Monday), local time, the American automaker Ford announced that it will cooperate with CATL, the world’s top battery manufacturer, to build an electric vehicle battery factory in Michigan, USA.

The company introduced in a press release that the new plant is named “BlueOval Battery Park Michigan” and is located in Marshall, Michigan. The new battery plant will add about 35 gigawatt-hours of battery capacity to the U.S. each year starting in 2026, enough to power about 400,000 Ford electric cars.

“Our commitment to leading America’s electric vehicle revolution means investing in technology and jobs that put us at the forefront of global change in the industry,” said Ford executive chairman Bill Ford.

In the press release, Ford officially announced a cooperation agreement with Chinese battery maker CATL. Under the agreement, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ford will produce lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries at the new plant, using the battery cell knowledge and services provided by CATL.

Ford also said lithium iron phosphate battery technology can help reduce reliance on key minerals such as nickel and cobalt, reaffirming the company’s commitment to sustainable development.

In addition, the battery plant will benefit the City of Marshall and surrounding communities. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer attended a news conference on Monday and praised Ford for its efforts to create thousands of local jobs.
“Ford’s $3.5 billion investment, creating 2,500 good-paying jobs in Marshall building electric vehicle batteries, will strengthen Michigan’s economy,” she commented, “Let’s continue to bring home supply chains for electric vehicles, chips and batteries, while creating thousands of good-paying jobs and revitalizing every region of our state.”