Ford Pauses $3.5B Michigan Battery Factory With China's CATL Amid Strikes and Federal Scrutiny

Ford has stopped work on a $3.5B EV battery factory in Michigan using tech from China's CATL. Ford cites concerns about competitive ability to operate the plant.
The factory was announced in Feb 2023 to make LFP batteries using CATL's knowledge and services. Unclear if this is temporary or project will be shelved.
Pause comes after UAW strike affecting Ford, GM, Stellantis and congressional investigations into Ford's CATL licensing deal.
Factory was part of Ford's $50B EV investment plan to reach 600K EVs in 2022 and 2M by 2026.
Michigan provided $1.7B in incentives for the factory expected to employ 2,500 starting in 2026. Governor still aims to secure auto manufacturing jobs.

techcrunch.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/25/2023

Ford Pauses Michigan Electric Vehicle Battery Plant Amid UAW Tensions

Ford Motor has announced a suspension of construction on a battery factory in Michigan, citing concerns over competitive pricing and the ability to operate the plant effectively, amid contract negotiations with the United Automobile Workers (UAW).

9/25/2023

Ford Pauses $3.5B Michigan EV Battery Plant Amid UAW Opposition and China Tech Ties

Ford is pausing construction on its planned electric vehicle battery plant in Michigan amid concerns over the use of licensed Chinese battery technology and the ongoing United Auto Workers strike.

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Tesla Dominates US Electric Vehicle Market, Outselling Next 19 Rivals Combined in First Half of 2023

Ford's decision to halt the construction of a $3.5 billion battery plant in Michigan highlights the challenge for Tesla's competitors in the US market, as most of these automakers are struggling to sell enough electric vehicles at high volumes to support profitable assembly plants, according to Reuters analysis.

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Ford pauses $3.5B EV battery plant in Michigan, sparking controversy over Chinese company and U.S. jobs

Ford's decision to pause work on a new battery plant in Michigan reveals the controversy surrounding the project and the role of Contemporary Amperex Technology Limited (CATL) in the shift to electric vehicles.

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Posted 9/25/2023, 11:04:00 PM

Ford Pauses $3.5B Michigan Battery Factory With China's CATL Amid Strikes and Federal Scrutiny

Ford has stopped work on a $3.5B EV battery factory in Michigan using tech from China's CATL. Ford cites concerns about competitive ability to operate the plant.
The factory was announced in Feb 2023 to make LFP batteries using CATL's knowledge and services. Unclear if this is temporary or project will be shelved.
Pause comes after UAW strike affecting Ford, GM, Stellantis and congressional investigations into Ford's CATL licensing deal.
Factory was part of Ford's $50B EV investment plan to reach 600K EVs in 2022 and 2M by 2026.
Michigan provided $1.7B in incentives for the factory expected to employ 2,500 starting in 2026. Governor still aims to secure auto manufacturing jobs.

techcrunch.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/25/2023

Ford Pauses Michigan Electric Vehicle Battery Plant Amid UAW Tensions

9/25/2023

Ford Pauses $3.5B Michigan EV Battery Plant Amid UAW Opposition and China Tech Ties

Ford is pausing construction on its planned electric vehicle battery plant in Michigan amid concerns over the use of licensed Chinese battery technology and the ongoing United Auto Workers strike.

9/27/2023

Tesla Dominates US Electric Vehicle Market, Outselling Next 19 Rivals Combined in First Half of 2023

9/27/2023

Ford pauses $3.5B EV battery plant in Michigan, sparking controversy over Chinese company and U.S. jobs