Who makes Motorcraft automotive batteries?
Motorcraft batteries are not produced in Ford plants; they are manufactured by third-party battery makers under contract to Ford. The leading supplier in many markets is Clarios (the company formed from Johnson Controls Power Solutions), with regional variations such as VARTA in Europe.
How Motorcraft batteries are sourced
The following overview explains who makes Motorcraft batteries in major markets. Note that exact suppliers can change by model and year.
Regional sourcing overview
Before listing regional partners, this paragraph provides a snapshot of the typical manufacturing partners for Motorcraft batteries by market.
- North America (United States, Canada, Mexico): Clarios (formerly Johnson Controls Power Solutions) has been the primary supplier for many Motorcraft batteries.
- Europe and the United Kingdom: VARTA-branded batteries from Clarios supply Ford Motorcraft lines, with model- and country-specific variations.
- Other regions (Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Africa): Ford uses a mix of regional battery makers under contract; the exact supplier depends on local manufacturing arrangements and model specifications.
In short, Motorcraft batteries are produced by contracted battery manufacturers, with Clarios as the dominant partner globally and regional variations by market and model year.
What this means for consumers
When purchasing or servicing a Motorcraft battery, you receive a battery built by Ford’s contracted supplier and marketed under the Motorcraft name. The important factors for owners are compatibility, warranty coverage, and service reliability, which Ford manages through the Motorcraft program.
Verifying the supplier for your battery
To determine the exact manufacturing partner for your Motorcraft battery, check the battery label or packaging for the supplier name, consult your vehicle’s manual or the Motorcraft catalog, or ask a Ford dealer for confirmation.
- Inspect the battery label for the maker’s name (for example, Clarios or VARTA) or a supplier-specific part number.
- Refer to your owner's manual or the dealer’s Motorcraft catalog for the exact battery specification and supplier notes.
- Contact a Ford dealer or Motorcraft support to confirm the manufacturing partner for your specific battery model and year.
- Review warranty documentation to ensure it aligns with the Motorcraft battery part number and supplier information.
Concluding paragraph: By verifying the label and documentation, you can identify the manufacturing partner behind your Motorcraft battery and confirm it falls under the correct warranty and service provisions.
Summary
Motorcraft batteries are Ford’s official line, produced by contracted battery manufacturers. Clarios (the former Johnson Controls Power Solutions) is the leading supplier in many markets, with Europe commonly using VARTA under the same corporate umbrella. Regional variation exists, and the exact maker can depend on market, model, and year. For consumers, the priority is correct compatibility and warranty rather than identifying the specific supplier by name.
Does Motorcraft make good batteries?
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.
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.
Who makes Motorcraft batteries?
Motorcraft batteries are manufactured by Clarios LLC (formerly Johnson Controls) for the Ford Motor Company, which owns the Motorcraft brand. This means that Ford uses the Motorcraft brand for its official auto parts, and Clarios LLC is the company that physically makes the batteries.
- Manufacturer: Clarios LLC (formerly Johnson Controls)
- Brand Owner: Ford Motor Company
- Function: Ford utilizes the Motorcraft brand for its official parts, and Clarios LLC is the company that produces them to Ford's specifications.
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.
