Ford to manufacture batteries for its future electric vehicles

The next-gen cells and arrays will be used to power several future Ford battery electric vehicles.

Ford and SK Innovation announced today they have signed an MoU to create a joint venture, to be called BlueOvalSK, to produce approximately 60GWh annually in traction battery cells and array modules, starting mid-decade, with the potential to expand. The creation of the JV is subject to definitive agreements, regulatory approvals and other conditions. The next-gen cells and arrays will be used to power several future Ford battery electric vehicles. SK Innovation is a global energy conglomerate headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. The company has pioneered the development of mid- to large-size EV batteries since 1991 and has expanded its battery operations globally since 2010. SK already operates a battery plant in Commerce, Georgia, USA serving two global OEMs and is expanding its production capacity in the European Union and China. SK Innovation plans to become one of the world’s top three EV battery suppliers by 2025 with over 125GWh in global production capacity. Ford’s global BEV plan calls for at least 240GWh of battery cell capacity by 2030, roughly 10 plants’ worth of capacity. Approximately 140GWh will be required in North America, with the balance dedicated to other key regions, including Europe and China. Ford plans to lead the electric vehicle revolution including by delivering fifth-generation lithium ion batteries as well as preparing for the transition to solid-state batteries, which promise longer range, lower cost and safer EVs for customers.