Ford has announced it will build a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery plant in Marshall, MI as it pushes to lead in developing electric vehicles (EVs). The move is designed to help Ford scale more quickly, making EVs more affordable for its customers.

LFP batteries are exceptionally durable using fewer high-demand, high-cost materials and will help power a variety of Ford’s next-generation of EV passenger vehicles and pickups; the new LFP plant will add approximately 35 gigawatt hours (GWh) of LFP battery capacity.

This plant – called BlueOval Battery Park Michigan – initially will employ 2,500 people when production of LFP batteries begins in 2026. Ford will have the option to further grow its battery capacity at its Marshall, MI, plant, which will be part of a wholly owned Ford subsidiary.

“We are committed to leading the electric vehicle revolution in America, and that means investing in the technology and jobs that will keep us on the cutting edge of this global transformation in our industry,” said Bill Ford, Ford executive chair. “I am also proud that we chose our home state of Michigan for this critical battery production hub.”

Ford and its battery tech collaborators have announced $17.6 billion in investment in EV and battery production in the United States since 2019, leading to more than 18,000 direct jobs in the U.S. and more than 100,000 indirect jobs. The announcement builds on the company’s commitment to developing U.S. manufacturing.

Read more about the announcement here.

Image courtesy of Ford Motor Co.