Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) has unveiled a push into the energy storage sector with the creation of Ford Energy, a dedicated subsidiary aimed at capturing demand from utilities, data centers, and industrial clients. This marks a significant expansion beyond its electric vehicle focus, tapping into a fast-growing market for large-scale battery solutions.
At the heart of this strategy is the BlueOval SK plant in Glendale, Kentucky, which Ford plans to transform into a hub for battery storage production. The facility will manufacture lithium-iron phosphate prismatic cells, storage system modules, and 20-foot DC container systems, targeting utility-scale projects with capacities starting at 5 MWh. Ford aims to have the plant operational for this purpose within the next 18 months, with an ambitious goal of reaching an annual production capacity of 20 GWh or more by late 2027.
Ford Energy will also leverage the BlueOval Battery Park in Michigan to develop smaller amp-hour cells tailored for residential energy storage applications. This dual approach positions the company to address both massive grid-scale needs and more compact household solutions, broadening its foothold in a sector driven by renewable energy integration and digital infrastructure demands.
Leading the charge is Lisa Drake, newly appointed as president of Ford Energy. Reporting to John Lawler, Ford’s vice chair, Drake brings deep expertise from her prior role as vice president of technology platform programs and EV systems, where she spearheaded industrial planning for batteries and electric propulsion. Her appointment signals Ford’s intent to apply its EV battery know-how to this adjacent market.
The launch of Ford Energy comes as the company seeks to capitalize on excess EV battery capacity, turning a potential liability into a fresh revenue stream. With production targets set high and a clear timeline for the Kentucky plant’s conversion, Ford is positioning itself as a serious contender in the energy storage arena.
By 2027, the projected 20 GWh capacity at BlueOval SK could translate into a substantial market share if Ford executes on its aggressive rollout plan. For now, the company’s focus remains on scaling up operations to meet the needs of an energy-hungry industrial landscape.
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