Is Ford building a battery plant in Michigan?
The short answer: no. Ford has not announced a standalone battery plant in Michigan. Its current U.S. battery expansion is led by the BlueOval SK joint venture with SK On, focusing on plants in Kentucky and Tennessee, while Michigan serves primarily as a hub for research, development, and supplier integration rather than a new plant site.
Ford's current battery strategy
Ford is pursuing battery capacity at scale through partnerships and regional facilities rather than a single Michigan site. The centerpiece is the BlueOval SK joint venture with SK On, designed to build multiple U.S. battery plants to support Ford’s EV production across the country.
Key partners
The following list highlights the core elements of Ford's approach to securing battery supply.
- BlueOval SK is a joint venture between Ford and SK On to build and operate U.S. battery plants.
- Planned facilities are located in Kentucky and Tennessee, with capacity ramping up over several years to supply Ford’s EV lineup.
- Michigan plays a supporting role, focusing on research, development, engineering, and the broader EV supply chain rather than hosting a new standalone plant.
In short, Ford’s expansion hinges on partnerships and regional production rather than a new Michigan battery plant at this time.
What a Michigan plant would entail
If Ford were to announce a Michigan battery plant, it would signify a major milestone for the state’s EV economy. The following elements outline what such a project would typically involve.
- Location and site selection: evaluating proximity to Ford’s existing manufacturing footprint, logistics networks, and a skilled workforce in Michigan.
- Capacity, jobs, and investment: determining the plant’s scale, the number of jobs created, and the capital required for cell or module assembly lines and related infrastructure.
- Timeline and funding: outlining a multi-year construction and ramp-up plan, with potential incentives from state and local governments.
- Supply chain integration: aligning with battery cell suppliers, pack assembly, and potential recycling capabilities within Michigan or neighboring states to optimize logistics.
- Environmental and regulatory considerations: securing permits, addressing emissions, and managing community impact, along with necessary grid and infrastructure upgrades.
Any Michigan plant would be a defining step in Ford’s EV strategy, affecting jobs, policy, and regional competitiveness—yet there is no public confirmation of such a project today.
Where to verify updates
For the latest information, rely on official company communications and reputable industry coverage.
- Ford Motor Company official press releases and investor relations materials.
- Michigan state and local government announcements regarding incentives or site selection updates.
- Major business outlets (Reuters, Bloomberg, Detroit News, Crain’s Detroit Business) reporting on Ford’s battery strategy.
Keeping to primary sources helps ensure information reflects any new announcements or changes in strategy.
Summary
As of now, Ford has not announced a standalone battery plant in Michigan. The company’s battery expansion relies on the BlueOval SK partnership with SK On, with production facilities planned in Kentucky and Tennessee. Michigan’s role remains focused on research, development, and supply-chain integration rather than hosting a new manufacturing site. Any future Michigan plant would mark a major milestone for the state's economy and Ford's EV ambitions, but there is no public confirmation at this time.
