Ford Motor Co. has taken a significant step towards establishing a robust EV battery supply chain in North America by announcing plans for a new $900 million cathode manufacturing plant in Bécancour, Québec. The investment, in collaboration with South Korean partners EcoProBM and SK On, marks Ford’s first venture into Québec and emphasizes its focus on localizing key battery material processing.
The new factory is expected to create almost 350 new jobs
The facility, expected to commence production by the first half of 2026, will create up to 45,000 tonnes of cathode active materials (CAM) per year. These materials, essential for modern lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles, will be manufactured using high-quality Nickel Cobalt Manganese (NCM) under the supervision of the joint venture EcoPro CAM Canada LP.
The announcement underscores Ford’s commitment to providing materials for its future EV lineup, including anticipated pickup models, and targets improved performance and range thanks to EcoPro’s core shell gradient (CSG) technology.
This investment is not just a business expansion for Ford; it carries significant implications for the Québec region. The 3 million square-feet site will create approximately 345 new jobs, ranging from engineering to sales and student co-op positions. Construction has already begun on the site, which includes a six-story building.
Québec’s electric vehicle manufacturing landscape is receiving considerable attention from automakers. This announcement follows General Motors’ investment in a similar facility in Bécancour, placing the town at the forefront of chemical battery materials production.
Ford’s vice-president of EV Industrialization, Lisa Drake, stressed the importance of this plant for the entire North American region, describing it as a “cornerstone” for Ford.
The plant will be operated by EcoProBM, and will also see an investment from the South Korean company to mass-produce and supply the cathode materials, supporting up to 225,000 electric vehicles annually.
RELATED:
- Fiat Takes a Bold Step with the Announcement of Abarth 600e Electric, Launching in 2025
- The Mihogo Mini is the King of Compact Electric Bikes
- Best Smartphones with Wireless Charging in 2023 – Pixel, OPPO, iPhone & More
(Via)
