It’s happening! Predictably, automakers are starting to find new, affordable battery chemistries for the future. He recently announced the opening of a new electric vehicle battery plant in Michigan. This wouldn’t normally be big news, except that this manufacturer will be using a new LFP battery chemistry to create Ford EV batteries for the Mustang Mach-E and.
What is LFP battery technology?
LFP stands for Lithium Iron Phosphate (remember, the periodic table has iron listed as FE), and these new batteries offer some advantages and disadvantages over current models. Currently, Ford uses a nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) battery chemistry in their electric vehicles.
He tells us that the new plant, located in Marshall, Michigan, will cost $3.5 billion. This new facility will begin production of LFP battery cells starting in 2026. The technology used to create these new batteries comes from the world’s largest volume cell maker, Amperex Technology Limited (CATL) in China.
The base models and the F-150 Lightning will use the new batteries next year. To support this project before the Marshall plant opens, Ford will purchase the cells directly from CATL.
Will these new Ford EV batteries provide more driving range?
Most consumers will not notice any difference in the driving range offered. The LFP battery cells will be used in next year’s Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning models, and should provide 224 miles of driving for the Mach-E and 230 miles for the F-150. This is very similar to the current driving range of an NCM battery.
What is the biggest drawback found in these new LFP batteries?
The new batteries from the Ford EV Battery Plant in Michigan provide less cold weather performance than existing batteries. This could simply mean sending EVs with LFP battery cells to warmer climates where the temperature rarely drops below 50 degrees.
Why would Ford add a second EV battery chemistry?
Using another battery type allows Ford to ramp up production of electric vehicles more quickly. New LFP chemistry ensures that the increase comes at a lower cost, making these electric vehicles more affordable for consumers. Before the end of this year, Ford expects to build 600,000 electric vehicles and expand that number to two million by the end of 2026.
Then, check these out, or learn more about LFP battery technology in this video below:
