Ford has partnered with LG Energy Solutions and Koç Holding to build Europe’s largest commercial electric vehicle battery cell facility in Başkent, Turkey. The new plant will have an annual production capacity of up to 45 GWh and is expected to break ground later this year, with production beginning in 2026.
The agreement was signed in the form of a non-binding memorandum of understanding between the three companies. However, if approved, the joint venture will mark a significant step forward for Ford in its mission to become a leader in the electric vehicle revolution.
“Ford continues to ramp up our electric vehicle plans as we scale to be a leader in the electric vehicle revolution,” said Lisa Drake, the VP of Ford EV industrialization. “We are delivering on the commitment to produce batteries in the same region where we build electric vehicles.”
Ford has long-standing relationships with both LG Energy Solutions and Koç Holding. With Koç Holding, it has worked for almost a century, and the successful Ford Otosan joint venture is now nearly 60 years old. With LG Energy Solutions, it has worked for more than a decade. Most recently, the South Korean company supplied batteries for Ford’s plant in Poland that went into the Mustang Mach-E and the E-Transit.
“Our long-time business relationship with Ford is the result of our commitment to deliver unmatched product competitiveness, stable yields, and global operational expertise” said Youngsoo Kwon, CEO of LG Energy Solution. “Now joining forces with Ford and Koç in Turkey, we will bring in our leading battery technology to further boost the EV transition in Europe, thereby leading the global initiatives for a more sustainable future.”
The new battery plant will be built in Başkent, near Ankara, Turkey. When it opens in 2026, Ford expects it to have an annual production capacity of 25 GWh, which could potentially rise to 45 GWh over time.
Ford plans to sell only electric vehicles in Europe by 2035, a goal that will be facilitated by this new plant. The joint venture with LG Energy Solutions and Koç Holding will lay a solid foundation that is fundamental to building a thriving electric vehicle future for Ford in Europe.
The move towards electric vehicles is a vital part of Ford’s strategy to reduce its carbon footprint and help mitigate climate change. The new battery plant will enable the company to take a significant step towards this goal, as it seeks to become a leader in the electric vehicle market.
This move also comes as governments around the world look to reduce their carbon emissions and transition to cleaner energy sources. With the global electric vehicle market set to grow rapidly in the coming years, Ford is well-positioned to take advantage of this trend and establish itself as a key player in the industry.
Overall, the joint venture between Ford, LG Energy Solutions, and Koç Holding is an exciting development for the electric vehicle market. By building Europe’s largest commercial electric vehicle battery cell facility, the companies are taking a significant step towards a more sustainable future, while also positioning themselves as leaders in the growing electric vehicle industry.