Overview
- The Wall Street Journal reported Ford is negotiating with BYD to supply batteries for some hybrid models, with no agreement announced as both companies declined to confirm details.
- One option under discussion is importing BYD packs for vehicles built in Ford plants outside the U.S., with reports pointing to facilities in Germany, Spain, Thailand, or Turkey.
- The outreach follows Ford’s shift away from large EV bets after recording roughly $19.5 billion in charges tied primarily to its EV business, as it expands hybrids and extended-range models.
- The reported talks drew criticism from White House trade adviser Peter Navarro, while President Trump recently said he welcomes foreign automakers that build plants and hire U.S. workers.
- Separately, Ford is completing its BlueOval Battery Park in Michigan to produce LFP batteries using licensed CATL technology, as BYD and CATL together hold a majority share of global battery installations.