Where does Ford get their EV batteries from?
Ford sources its EV batteries from multiple manufacturers, notably LG Energy Solution and SK On, and is expanding domestic production through its BlueOval SK joint venture with SK On. The company also maintains agreements with CATL for select markets and programs. This diversified approach helps Ford scale its electric lineup while strengthening U.S. battery supply.
A diversified supplier network
The following overview highlights the main battery cell makers Ford relies on today, reflecting a strategy to diversify risk and secure ongoing supply for its growing electric-vehicle lineup.
- LG Energy Solution (South Korea) – A primary supplier of lithium-ion cells for Ford’s BEVs, including popular models in North America and abroad. LGES has long been a central part of Ford’s battery strategy and continues to supply cells across multiple programs.
- SK On (South Korea) – A major partner and developer of battery cells for Ford, and the partner in the BlueOval SK joint venture. SK On provides cells for Ford’s current and upcoming electric vehicles and is central to Ford’s domestic capacity expansion through BlueOval SK.
- CATL (China) – A global battery supplier that has supplied or contracted to supply lithium-ion cells for certain Ford programs and markets, including cost-focused chemistries such as LFP in select regions or models. Ford’s use of CATL cells reflects a strategy to broaden options and manage costs.
These relationships illustrate Ford’s approach to diversify suppliers while pursuing greater domestic production for its electric-vehicle business.
BlueOval SK: building U.S. battery capacity
To bolster American battery production, Ford formed BlueOval SK (BOSK) with SK On. The joint venture is designed to develop large-scale U.S. battery plants intended to supply Ford’s North American manufacturing footprint, reducing reliance on imports and supporting future EV growth.
The following points summarize the BlueOval SK initiative and its U.S. footprint.
- Two U.S. battery plants planned in Kentucky and Tennessee, aimed at producing cells for Ford’s North American assembly lines.
- Strategic emphasis on domestic production to improve supply resilience, shorten lead times, and help manage pricing as Ford scales its EV lineup.
The BlueOval SK program represents a core element of Ford’s strategy to localize battery manufacturing in the United States, aligning with broader efforts to support domestic jobs and reduce exposure to international supply disruptions.
Ford’s reliance on a mix of suppliers, combined with new U.S.-based battery production, aims to stabilize EV supply, support price competitiveness, and enable faster ramp-ups for models like the Mustang Mach-E and the F-150 Lightning. The diversified approach also leaves room for adapting chemistries—such as nickel-rich nickel-moped cells and LFP options—as the industry evolves and battery technology shifts.
Summary
Ford sources its EV batteries from a multi-supplier mix, led by LG Energy Solution and SK On, with CATL providing additional options for select markets. The company is expanding domestic capacity through the BlueOval SK joint venture with SK On, planning U.S. battery plants in Kentucky and Tennessee to support its growing EV portfolio. This strategy aims to strengthen supply resilience, control costs, and accelerate Ford’s electrification plans for North America.
