Ford plans to make LFP batteries for EVs and will soon be placing them in the Mach-E and F-150 Lightning. Battery issues have halted production of the Lightning. All eyes are on Tesla and whether it will unlock its Supercharger hardware. And Volkswagen is returning to its old message of plug-in hybrids. This and much more, here at Green Car Reports.
Ford Monday confirmed a Michigan battery factory that, starting in 2026, will make lower-cost lithium iron phosphate (LFP) EV batteries using technology from China’s CATL. Meanwhile, the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning will get this technology next year.
Battery issues have halted production of the Ford F-150 Lightning, though it hasn’t affected sales. With ongoing analysis, it’s also unclear whether this is an issue that could lead to a recall.
Prior to Dieselgate’s self-imposed disruption, VW saw plug-in hybrids as a “bridge” to EVs. After years of saying that hybrids and PHEVs for the US would simply shift focus away from fully electric models, VW appears to be returning to that old message.
Standards for federal EV charging sites will be released soon. Will Tesla open up its Supercharger network to other EVs and add its own connector to access those government funds?
And Ford has patented a solid-axle and hub-motor combo for EVs, and it’s reminiscent of the setup used by Lordstown Motors on the Endurance—a setup Ford says isn’t durable enough for the F-150 Lightning. . Could it make sense for a future off-roader?
