Overview

• Commercial production began on August 19 at the Glendale, Kentucky 1 plant, turning out nickel manganese cobalt batteries.
• Initial output is designated for Ford’s F-150 Lightning and the extended-range E-Transit cargo van.
• CEO Michael Adams says securing third-party buyers is a high priority, with potential sales to other automakers or energy storage, and a reported Nissan deal remains unconfirmed.
• Plans have been scaled back, with Kentucky 1 staffing at about 1,450 versus 2,500 initially projected, a second Kentucky plant on pause, and the Tennessee start date disputed between next year and 2027.
• Ford is shifting its EV strategy toward lower-cost models using LFP cells produced in Michigan under a CATL license, with a new platform targeted for 2027.