As it invests $50 billion in electrification with a goal of producing two million EVs annually by 2026, Ford is leaning on a large number of suppliers from around the globe to secure the materials it needs to meet that lofty goal, in addition to its own-joint venture efforts. One of those companies is Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL) – a Chinese outfit that’s the world’s largest producer of batteries – which has been scoping out locations for a new North American-based plant in both Mexico and the U.S. for months now. One such location was the state of Virginia, but as Ford Authority reported last week, Governor Glenn Youngkin rejected those plans – citing the company’s Chinese roots – nixing a Ford EV battery plant that would have created 2,500 jobs. Now, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has criticized that decision, calling it a “political determination,” according to Detroit News.
Meanwhile, Whitmer also noted that Michigan – which remains in consideration as a potential location for the new Ford EV battery plant – would welcome such a facility with open arms, saying that it’s an “exciting opportunity” for the state. “We are focused on jobs for Michiganders and securing the future of mobility is built in Michigan by Michiganders,” Whitmer said. “We are proud that Ford is an American company, Ford is a Michigan company. We are going to compete for every opportunity for the State of Michigan.”
The proposed CATL and Ford EV plant was slated to be built at the Southern Virginia Mega Site at Berry Hill in Pittsylvania County, where it would have made lithium-iron phosphate batteries for Blue Oval models. The two companies planned to spend $3.5 billion erecting the new facility, which would have reportedly employed around 2,500 people when it began operating in a few years, with the potential for more down the road.
CATL and Ford are now seeking another location to build this new EV battery plant – a decision that is expected to happen in just a few weeks – after the two companies signed a memorandum of understanding last summer. The facility is expected to begin production in 2026 with an initial output of 40GWh of cell production, and would reportedly be owned by FoMoCo – at least in terms of the physical location and infrastructure – though CATL would retain ownership of the battery cell technology utilized in production.
We’ll have more on Ford’s EV plans soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for 24/7 Ford news coverage.
Comments
If it is such a great deal, why is the Michigan governor complaining that her competition dropped out of the race?
These big factories look like NFL stadiums. A bunch of taxpayer-paid incentives on the front end with failed delivery on the back-end.
On the two previous comments I can only say, “Grow Up.” Neither understand one itsy bit about how things work. And the second thing is pure utter nonsense. Where are Iphones made you mindless dweebs?
Ford must pull the plug on China.
Only Ford?
Shouldn’t this post say “criticized by Virginia Governor” NOT MI?! Unless I missed something MI Gov praised Ford for wanting to bring more jobs to MI where Virginia gov said the opposite? Cmon Brett let’s report accurately here!
It is accurate – “Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has criticized that decision, calling it a “political determination.” She’s talking about Governor Youngkin’s decision to not allow Ford/CATL to build a plant in Virginia.
That’s the head-scratching part. Why would the MI governor criticize the VA governor? She should be jumping for joy if it such a great deal and it might come her way.
But she is happy at the news.
And there’s no point to ponder.
She’s calling out the calibrated vest guy for placing local jobs behind his political ambition.
Clearly, some of you would never be able to run anything bigger than your mouth. Michigan, its Governor and taxpayers are taking bread off the table for themselves. You have to wonder how many times Governor Youngkin can stamp his feet and walk away from new industry opportunities like this before his state says ‘enough stupidity’ already.
Agreed. Seems ignorant tough talk and aggressive bumper stickers are the alpha incel stock in trade.
Chicom suckups….
Oh Oleg, we come here for the news and stay to get a chuckle out of your loquacious commentary.
Whitler will jump at any chance to get on her knees to sell out to China.
Ford needs to wise up. They are using South Korea at BOSK. Just stick with them and screw the commies.
At this point, what does it matter…hrc
It is interesting how many jobs would be created(2,500 expected). I wonder though if 2 million electric cars are manufactured what the demand and price would be for these cars. As someone who has lived near Michigan all my life I have seen how fast things could change for the UAW. It sounds great short term but if Ford doesn’t sell them right away and demand is low how will they keep jobs locally. Also the price on these electric vehicles are subsidized heavily with government incentives to encourage sales. I just wonder what happens if demand and subsidies shrink what happens to the Ford plant.
Check your sources. The Virginia article that originally reported that the Virginia Govenor rejected the plant was false and used “anonymous sources” that were not verified. Unfortunately our wonderful Govenor in Michigan never verifies anything before she opens her mouth and puts her foot in it. So wonderful to have her for another four years!
No one has a problem flying their Chinese made flags, every patriot owns one or many, why is there a question now about Chinese companies being bad for the country? You should of asked yourself why am I giving the communist my hard earned money for my very patriotic flag out in the yard.
Send it to Michigan’s upper peninsula. We could use the jobs up here!