Who manufactures batteries for Ford?
Ford does not manufacture its own battery cells; it relies on multiple external suppliers, led by the Ford-SK On joint venture BlueOval SK, with additional cells supplied by LG Energy Solution and CATL for various markets.
Ford’s battery strategy centers on sourcing cells from a mix of global suppliers rather than a single in-house production line. This approach supports scale, regional diversification, and resilience as the company expands its electric-vehicle lineup across North America, Europe, and other regions.
Major battery suppliers for Ford
The following partners currently supply Ford with battery cells for its electrified vehicles across regions.
- BlueOval SK (Ford-SK On) — a U.S.-based joint venture formed to produce battery cells for Ford’s EVs; the partnership is advancing multiple U.S. gigafactories intended to supply Ford’s growing electric lineup.
- LG Energy Solution — provides cells used in various Ford models and platforms, reflecting a long-standing collaboration across several regions and product lines.
- CATL — Chinese battery maker supplying cells for Ford in select European markets as part of Ford’s regional electrification strategy.
These partnerships illustrate Ford’s strategy to diversify suppliers to reduce risk and accelerate production for its expanding EV portfolio.
Domestic manufacturing footprint
Ford’s approach also emphasizes domestic production of batteries through joint ventures and local partnerships in the United States.
- BlueOval SK: Plans for U.S. gigafactories in Kentucky and Tennessee to produce cells for Ford’s EVs, as part of a broader push to localize a larger share of battery supply.
- Regional supplier collaborations: Ford is pursuing additional local and regional partnerships to ensure steady cell availability for its U.S.-built and regionalized electric lineup.
The emphasis on U.S.-based cell production aims to support Ford’s electrification goals, reduce supply-chain risk, and enhance cost efficiency as demand for EVs grows.
Impact on Ford’s EV lineup
A diversified battery-supply network helps Ford scale production and manage costs across its electric and plug-in-hybrid models, including the Mustang Mach-E, the F-150 Lightning, and commercial vehicles like the E-Transit. Battery strategy is central to Ford’s plan to accelerate electrification through the 2020s and beyond.
Model-specific considerations
Different suppliers can influence cell chemistry, pack design, and regional availability across Ford’s lineup. For example, LGES cells have been used in certain Mach-E configurations, while the BlueOval SK partnership supports Ford’s U.S.-built EVs. In Europe, CATL’s involvement aligns with local supply needs for upcoming models.
Conclusion: Ford’s battery strategy centers on diversification, domestic manufacturing partnerships, and a global supply network to power its expanding electric-vehicle portfolio.
Summary: Ford relies primarily on BlueOval SK (a Ford-SK On joint venture) for U.S. battery cells, complemented by LG Energy Solution and CATL for other markets. The company is investing in domestic cell production through joint ventures to support its growing EV lineup and regional needs.
