Ford Will Repurpose Kentucky Plant for Large-Scale Batteries

Ford plans to convert an eight-million-square-foot factory in Glendale, Ky., that briefly produced batteries for the F-150 Lightning into a plant for large storage batteries used by utilities, data centers, businesses and homeowners. The company said it would deploy “more than a century of manufacturing expertise and licensed advanced battery technology,” and Kentucky Gov.

Andy Beshear said, “I’m confident that they can compete.” The shift is risky. Ford has little experience making batteries and faces established rivals such as Tesla, LG Energy Solution and SK On. Ford and SK On dissolved their joint venture in December, with Ford assuming sole ownership, and the company will spend another $2 billion to install new machinery and other changes.

In December, Ford cut its earnings outlook by $19.5 billion, including $6 billion tied to the Kentucky plant and the joint venture. Political and market forces have reshaped demand for electric vehicles, while leaving some support for battery storage intact.

United States, Glendale, Kentucky

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