Ford begins building low-cost LFP batteries for its $30K EV pickup

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LFP Batteries

Ford is now building low-cost LFP battery cells in the US that will power its $30,000 EV pickup

Peter Johnson | Jun 17 2026 - 11:17 am PT

47 Comments

Ford $30,000 EV pickup prototype (Source: Ford)

Ford is set to become the first to use LFP batteries in a mainstream EV in the US, starting with its $30,000 midsize pickup.

Ford begins LFP battery cell production in the US

The team at Ford’s Bluoval Battery Park in Michigan is now assembling lithium iron phosphate (LFP) prismatic cells to power its upcoming Universal Electric (UEV)-based models.

Using licensed battery and manufacturing tech from China’s CATL, Ford’s CEO, Jim Farley, said the company delivered the first full cells on Tuesday, making it the first in the US to ship LFP batteries for mass-market automotive use.

The new battery cells will be used in Ford’s affordable midsize electric pickup, the first vehicle based on its UEV platform, and for its new energy storage business.<br>Advertisement - scroll for more content

Ford is ramping up production as it prepares to launch the new EV pickup in 2027, which the company promises will be significantly more efficient, more affordable, and (for its sake) profitable.

Although the plant received pushback over Ford’s use of Chinese technology, Lisa Drake, the company’s vice president of platform programs and EV systems, defended the decision last summer, saying “to really deliver truly affordable electric vehicles,” the decision to build prismatic LFP batteries in the US was made years ago.

Drake added that “these are very good-paying jobs,” adding, “it would be a shame to build these facilities and then all of a sudden you have to scale back.”

The LFP battery cells are cheaper, lighter, and unlock more interior space. According to Ford, the midsize pickup will offer more passenger space than a Toyota RAV4 and a lower cost of ownership than a Tesla Model Y.

Ford testing upcoming $30,000 midsize electric pickup (Source: screenshot from Ford’s “secret” website)

Ahead of its official debut, a prototype was caught driving around Long Beach last week. A QR code hidden in the camouflage takes you to a “secret” website dedicated to the upcoming EV.

Ford will launch the electric pickup in 2027, starting at around $30,000. It will be assembled at the Louisville assembly plant with the first customer deliveries set to follow shortly thereafter.

Electrek’s Take

China dominates the global LFP battery market, leaving US automakers far behind thanks to the Trump Administration’s import tariffs and strict sourcing rules.

Top comment by Dan B

Liked by 15 people

"Ford is set to become the first to use LFP batteries in a mainstream EV in the US, starting with its $30,000 midsize pickup."

"Does the Chevy Bolt have an LFP battery?<br>Because despite using the broader Ultium architecture and software stack, the Bolt doesn't use an Ultium battery. Instead it gets GM's first lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) pack . LFP batteries are cheaper, more durable, and last longer than nickel-mangnanese-cobalt batteries, which power all other Ultium cars.3 days ago"

The first quote is from the first line in this article. The second quote is taken off an internet search. What is wrong with this picture?

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According to SNE Research, CATL and BYD, both of which primarily focus on LFP batteries, accounted for over 55% of global EV battery sales in 2025.

Of the 4.95 million tons of cathode materials shipped in 2025, LFP accounted for 3.47 million tons, or 72% of the market.

While Ford is betting on LFP batteries for a comeback, crosstown rival GM is reconsidering using them in future EVs, according to a recent Reuters report.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

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