There is no end to what all human beings can do, and yet there is little we do better than growing on a consistent basis. This progressive tendency, on our part, has empowered us to hit upon some huge milestones, with technology emerging as quite a major member of the group. Talk about why we hold technology in such a high regard, the answer for that literally touches upon its skill-set before it covers anything else. Nevertheless, if we look beyond the surface for a second, it will become clear how the whole runner was also very much inspired by the way we applied those skills across a real world environment. The latter component, in fact, did a lot to give the creation a spectrum-wide presence, and as a result, start what was a full-blown tech revolution. Of course, this revolution then went on to scale up the human experience from every conceivable direction, but even after achieving such a feat so notable, technology will somehow keep on delivering the right goods. The same has turned more and more evident over the recent past, and truth be told, Ford’s latest move should only able to put that trend on a higher pedestal moving forward.

Ford has officially revealed its intention to invest over $3.5 billion in building the country’s first automaker-backed LFP battery plant, which will be located around Marshall, Michigan area. Named as BlueOval Battery Park Michigan, the new plant marks the first time an automaker has conceived the creation of LFB battery manufacturing facility. However, there are other, and more practical, reasons that make the stated plant significant. For instance, with the help from its new operation, Ford will have a chance to offer customers a second battery technology across the company’s EV line-up. This means the buyer can now actually choose the most suitable technology as per their individual needs. But why have LFP in the form of that other option? Well, to give you some context, LFP batteries are best-known for being durable, and more tolerable to frequent and faster charging, while also exhausting fewer high-demand, high-cost materials. The long-term idea here, like anyone would guess, is to leverage that cost-efficiency and bring down the EV price rather substantially.

“Ford’s electric vehicle lineup has generated huge demand. To get as many Ford EVs to customers as possible, we’re the first automaker to commit to build both NCM and LFP batteries in the United States,” said Jim Farley, President and CEO of Ford. “We’re delivering on our commitments as we scale LFP and NCM batteries and thousands, and soon millions, of customers will begin to reap the benefits of Ford EVs with cutting-edge, durable battery technologies that are growing more affordable over time.”

If we put our stock in the available details, the new facility will add approximately 35 gigawatt hours per year of new battery capacity for Ford in the US, a figure which is enough to power over 400,000 future Ford EVs. To achieve these numbers, though, Ford will work alongside Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL), the world’s leading battery manufacturer. The collaboration will see the automotive giant using its own LFP battery cell prowess in conjunction with CATL’s proven services to deliver a high-end product at a financially viable cost.

Apart from financial benefits, the development makes a strong case from the all-important sustainability standpoint as well. You see, the LFP battery technology, supposedly it succeeds in upholding that supply-chain strain, can reduce our unhealthy reliance on critical elements, such as nickel and cobalt, thus making EVs even better of an option over the next few years.

“Today’s generational investment by an American icon will uplift local families, small businesses, and the entire community and help our state continue leading the future of mobility and electrification. Let’s continue bringing the supply chain of electric vehicles, chips, and batteries home while creating thousands of good-paying jobs and revitalizing every region of our state. Since I took office, we’ve secured over 30,000 auto jobs and landed multiple electric vehicle and chip-making factories. We’re on the move, so let’s keep our foot on the accelerator,” said Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of Michigan.

Set to employ around 2,500 for the initial phase, Ford’s new plant will likely begin operations at some point during 2026.