- Ford halts electric truck production as consumer demand fails to meet expectations
- Extended-range trucks replace purely electric models in Ford’s revised vehicle strategy
- Battery factories shift from vehicle focus to large-scale energy storage systems
Ford has halted production of its F-150 Lightning vehicle in favor of reassigning workers to assemble hybrid and gasoline-powered pickup trucks.
This change in vehicle strategy is reflected in changes to battery manufacturing plans, as Ford has confirmed that it will convert the Kentucky battery facility to produce prismatic lithium iron phosphate cells after ending its SK On joint venture.
These cells are not intended for passenger vehicles, but rather for large-scale stationary energy storage systems.
Battery plants reorient towards stationary storage
Ford says the chemistry is suited to data center use, where lower costs, long life and safety outweigh priorities around high energy density.
The Kentucky plant is expected to begin production within 18 months and will eventually reach an annual capacity of 20 GWh.
Instead of abandoning excess battery capacity, Ford is forming a standalone battery storage business.
The company plans to invest approximately $2 billion over the next two years to manufacture LFP cells, modular storage units and containerized systems.
Shipments are expected to begin in 2027, and Ford frames the move as a response to growing demand from commercial network operators.
Ford will enter a market that already includes players such as Tesla and General Motors, which offer residential and commercial energy storage products.
Ford’s BlueOval Battery Park Michigan is on schedule to begin LFP battery production in 2026, using technology licensed from CATL.
These batteries are still intended for a future mid-size electric truck, although the factory’s planned production has already been reduced from previous targets.
Ford has also added plans to produce lower capacity cells for residential energy storage systems at the same site.
Ford’s recent decisions suggest caution around near-term demand for large electric trucks, along with a belief that stationary storage can offer more stable returns.
The company is now prioritizing lower-cost models, conventional hybrids and extended-range electric vehicles, which it believes better match current buyer expectations.
Through Ars Technique
Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to receive news, reviews and opinions from our experts in your feeds. Be sure to click the Follow button!
And of course you can also follow TechRadar on TikTok for news, reviews, unboxings in video form and receive regular updates from us on WhatsApp also.
