Ford Launches Ford Energy to Enter U.S. Battery Storage Market

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Ford Motor Company has officially unveiled Ford Energy, a new business focused on large-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) for utilities, data centers, and industrial customers across the United States.

Announced by Ford Energy President Lisa Drake on May 11, 2026, the initiative marks a major expansion of Ford Motor Company beyond automotive manufacturing and into the rapidly growing clean energy infrastructure sector.

Ford Energy plans to assemble battery storage systems domestically using repurposed battery manufacturing capacity in Glendale, Kentucky. The company aims to deploy at least 20 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of energy storage annually, with first customer deliveries scheduled for late 2027.

The company’s flagship offering, the Ford Energy DC block, is a containerized battery storage system built around lithium iron phosphate (LFP) prismatic battery cells. Two versions will be offered: the FE-250, designed for two-hour storage applications, and the FE-450, a four-hour system intended for larger energy demands.

According to Ford, the systems are engineered for long-term durability, thermal stability, and simplified maintenance, with a targeted operational lifespan of 20 years. The products also integrate liquid-cooled thermal management and advanced battery management systems to support reliability in grid-scale applications.

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Ford said the launch comes amid surging U.S. demand for dependable energy storage, driven by rapid data center expansion, renewable energy integration, and growing grid resilience requirements. The company believes its century-long manufacturing experience positions it to deliver scalable and financeable storage solutions for customers seeking long-term support and warranty assurance.

Ford previously announced plans to invest approximately $2 billion into the energy storage business, and executives say the company is now moving into full-scale execution mode by securing supply chains, preparing manufacturing operations, and aligning with domestic content and Investment Tax Credit requirements.

The move places Ford among a growing list of industrial and automotive companies diversifying into energy infrastructure as battery technology becomes increasingly central to both transportation and power systems.

With Ford Energy, the automaker is aiming to establish itself not only as a vehicle manufacturer but also as a long-term player in America’s energy transition and grid modernization efforts.

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