While Ford continues to see record sales for EVs, it anticipated that more car buyers would have transitioned to battery powered vehicles by now. General Motors is essentially in the same boat, and has had to modify its electrification plans accordingly. To that end, GM recently announced its plans to completely divest from a joint venture EV plant in Michigan.
As our sister site GMAuthority reported, GM announced its plan to sell its stake in the Ultium Cells LLC battery plant in Lansing, Michigan. Joint venture partner LG Energy Solution will now own the plant entirely, which is currently under construction but nearly complete. The automaker expects to recoup its investment in the plant and will finalize the transaction in Q1 2025. GM says Lansing facility already employees 100 individuals and is projected to meet its previous employment commitments.
This latest development arrives not long after the automaker announced plans to write off $5 billion due to difficulties in China. Additionally, the company announced several workforce reduction initiatives in 2024, with the most recent program having been announced last month. It also reduced its overall EV production plans over the summer.
Like GM, Ford has also significantly altered its EV plans. As Ford Authority recently reported, the Blue Oval cancelled a joint venture EV plant with LG in Turkey. It also downsized its joint venture EV battery plant in Michigan. Ford has also delayed its next-generation Ford F-150 EV and completely cancelled its three-row EV program in favor of the Ford Super Duty. In Europe, Ford cut production of its recently launched Ford Capri and Explorer EVs as it pivots to selling a mix of gasoline, hybrid, and battery electric vehicles in the region. Ford is currently working on a low cost EV platform that will debut in 2027 in the form of a midsize pickup.
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Two times now battery problems with the 2024 Nautilus hybrid. First time was on the third day after purchase. Took two weeks for a new battery while I drove a really cool loaner. Second time had to call roadside service to come to our driveway for a jump start. Seems battery didn’t like the frost that covered the car. No problems since but it’s no fun to leave car unlocked in driveway in cold weather just in case. When battery is dead, door won’t unlock. So, jury is still out on future hybrids for us but we do love the Lincoln.