Ford is aggressively pursuing a new “game-changing” battery chemistry for its electric vehicles, promising to deliver lower costs and extended ranges by the end of the decade. This initiative is spearheaded by Charles Poon, the director of electrified propulsion engineering at Ford. Poon revealed that his team has been developing a lithium manganese rich (LMR) cell chemistry at Ford’s Ion Park battery research and development center in Romulus, Michigan. The company is already producing second-generation LMR cells on a pilot line, signaling a significant step towards commercialization. This move underscores Ford’s commitment to innovation in the electric vehicle (EV) sector and its ambition to lead the charge in battery technology. The Ford EV battery initiative could reshape the landscape of electric mobility, making EVs more accessible and appealing to a broader consumer base.
Ford’s lithium manganese rich (LMR) cells rolling out of a pilot production line in Michigan.
The lithium manganese rich (LMR) battery chemistry holds significant promise due to its potential advantages over existing nickel-based chemistries. According to Charles Poon, LMR batteries offer improved safety and stability, along with higher energy density, which translates to longer driving ranges for electric vehicles. Moreover, Ford anticipates “unprecedented” cost reductions with LMR, bringing the cost of EVs closer to parity with traditional gasoline-powered cars. This cost parity is a critical factor in accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles.
However, LMR technology is not without its challenges. Despite being discovered three decades ago, LMR batteries have not been widely commercialized due to issues such as voltage attenuation (a significant loss of voltage over time), severe capacity loss, and thermal stability degradation. These issues can lead to reduced driving range and potential safety concerns, especially in high-temperature conditions. The success of Ford’s LMR battery initiative hinges on overcoming these technical hurdles. The fact that Ford is already producing these cells on a pilot line suggests they may have found solutions to these long-standing problems, though specific details remain closely guarded.
| Attribute | LMR Batteries | Nickel-Based Batteries |
|---|---|---|
| Safety | Improved | Standard |
| Energy Density | Higher | Standard |
| Cost | Potentially Lower | Higher |
| Longevity | Potential Issues | Established |
Ford’s pursuit of LMR battery technology is part of a broader strategy to diversify its battery options and enhance its electric vehicle lineup. Currently, Ford uses lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries in the base version of the Mustang Mach-E and nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) batteries in other models, including the E-Transit and F-150 Lightning. The introduction of LMR batteries would represent the next step in this evolution.
Ford has several new EV models in the pipeline, including a compact SUV and truck under its “skunkworks” affordable EV project, as well as the next generation of its electric truck, codenamed T3. The automaker is also developing extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) versions of its SUVs, crossovers, and Super Duty pickup. The flexibility of LMR and other novel chemistries means they can be applied to various types of vehicles and powertrains, including hybrids, PHEVs, EREVs, and BEVs, depending on the most economically sensible approach. Ford’s commitment to exploring and scaling LMR cell chemistry demonstrates its dedication to remaining competitive in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle market. The success of this venture could significantly impact Ford’s future EV offerings and its position in the automotive industry.
Ford F-150 Lightning, one of Ford’s key electric vehicle models.
