Who is the manufacturer of Motorcraft batteries?
Motorcraft batteries are manufactured primarily by Clarios, the battery company formed after Johnson Controls’ Power Solutions division was spun off in 2019. Ford positions Motorcraft as its official aftermarket and OEM battery line.
The question explores how Ford's Motorcraft branding aligns with the actual battery makers, the corporate history behind the supplier, and how regional sourcing can differ. This article explains the maker landscape, the evolution of supply arrangements, and practical ways to identify the producer on a battery label.
Who makes Motorcraft batteries?
Below is a snapshot of who makes Motorcraft batteries and how the supply chain is organized across markets.
- Clarios is the primary supplier of many Motorcraft batteries in North America and around the world. The company originated from Johnson Controls’ Power Solutions unit, which was spun off in 2019 and later rebranded as Clarios.
- Ford Motor Company administers the Motorcraft brand as its official line for replacement parts and OEM equipment, with design and testing aligned to Ford specifications. The actual production is contracted to Clarios or other Ford-approved suppliers.
- In some regions, Motorcraft batteries are produced under license or contract by Ford-approved partners such as VARTA (a Clarios-owned brand) or other regional battery manufacturers, depending on market needs and supply agreements.
Overall, Motorcraft batteries are primarily produced by Clarios under Ford’s Motorcraft program, with regional variations depending on local supplier arrangements and market-specific contracts.
How to identify the battery maker
To determine the exact maker of a specific Motorcraft battery, inspect the labeling and documentation that accompanies the product. Several steps help you confirm origin and warranty coverage.
- Look for the manufacturer name on the battery label, which may read “Made by Clarios,” “Manufactured by Clarios,” or show a Clarios or VARTA branding as the producer.
- Check the model number, lot code, and date stamp, which can be cross-referenced with Ford’s Motorcraft catalog or the official parts warranty documentation.
- Consult your vehicle’s owner manual or Ford’s official Motorcraft support pages for region-specific supplier information and warranty terms.
- When in doubt, contact Ford Customer Service or your local Ford dealer, who can confirm the current supplier for your Motorcraft battery given your location and vehicle model.
With a clear label and documentation, you can identify the battery’s maker and understand warranty coverage under Ford’s Motorcraft program.
Summary
Motorcraft batteries are Ford’s official battery line, with Clarios as the primary manufacturer since the spin-off of Johnson Controls Power Solutions in 2019. Market-specific arrangements mean that some regions may see batteries produced by VARTA or other Ford-approved partners. Always check the battery label and Ford’s official guidance to confirm the maker and warranty terms.
Who manufactures motorcraft batteries?
Motorcraft is an auto part brand owned and operated by Ford Motor Company. Products under the "Motorcraft" brand include spark plugs, batteries, brakes, fuel filters, A/C condensers and accumulators, motor oil, automatic transmission fluid, among other goods.
What brand battery does Ford use?
Ford uses its own brand, Motorcraft, for original equipment manufacturer (OEM) batteries, but various other brands can be used as replacements, such as Optima, Duralast, and DieHard. Motorcraft batteries are engineered to meet Ford's specific performance and reliability standards for Ford and Lincoln vehicles.
Ford's official brand
- Motorcraft: This is the only battery brand recommended by Ford for its vehicles.
- These batteries are designed to provide original equipment performance and undergo rigorous testing to meet Ford's engineering standards.
Other brands for replacement
- When replacing a battery, you can choose from many aftermarket brands.
- Popular and highly-rated options include Optima, Duralast, and DieHard.
- Other brands available include Napa, ACDelco, and Odyssey.
Is the Ford Motorcraft a good battery?
Yes, Motorcraft batteries are considered good because they are the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) recommended batteries for Ford vehicles, are built to high standards with quality materials, and offer a good balance of performance and price. They are designed for reliability and are a trusted choice for many installers and DIYers.
Reasons Motorcraft batteries are a good choice
- OEM recommended: As the Ford-approved brand, Motorcraft batteries are engineered for a perfect fit and reliable performance in Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles.
- Quality construction: They are made with first-quality materials and incorporate advanced features like stamped grid technology for durability and a proprietary negative paste in their AGM batteries for better charge acceptance.
- Reliability: They are known for their long life and reliable starting power, even in extreme conditions.
- Performance and technology: The batteries incorporate the latest technology and offer a range of power choices. AGM models are designed for faster recharging and high starting power.
- Value: They are often competitively priced, making them a good value for their quality and performance.
- Warranty: They come with a solid warranty, with options like the "Tested Tough MAX" having a 3-year free replacement period and 5-year total prorated coverage.
Who manufactures batteries for Ford?
Ford uses several companies for its batteries, including BlueOval SK (a joint venture with SK On) for lithium-ion batteries, CATL for the technology in its U.S.-made lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, and Johnson Controls for its Motorcraft brand batteries for traditional vehicles.
Electric vehicle (EV) batteries
- BlueOval SK: A joint venture between Ford and South Korea's SK On. It develops and manufactures lithium-ion batteries for future Ford and Lincoln EVs.
- CATL: Ford licenses technology from the Chinese company CATL to produce LFP batteries at its wholly-owned battery plant in Marshall, Michigan.
- LG Energy Solution: Another South Korean battery manufacturer that partners with Ford, based on information from the BlueOval SK JV and the 2023 battery plant details.
Traditional vehicle batteries
- Johnson Controls: Makes the Motorcraft brand batteries, which are the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) batteries for Ford vehicles.
- Omnicraft: This brand offers aftermarket batteries manufactured in Europe and India using flooded lead-acid technology for a wide range of vehicles.
