Ford Starts Battery Pack Assembly in Germany

Ford Battery Pack

Ford Expands EV Production with Cologne Battery Facility

Ford has begun mass assembly of electric vehicle battery packs at its Cologne, Germany plant, marking a major step in the automaker’s $2bn European electrification strategy. The facility will directly align with Ford’s nearby Cologne Electric Vehicle Center, enabling integrated production of the Capri and Explorer EV models, which will deliver ranges of up to 627km and 602km.

The highly automated production line, spanning 2km, uses 180 robots to weld, glue, and assemble the battery housing. Each battery pack consists of 2,775 individual parts and up to 12 modules, underscoring Ford’s commitment to advanced manufacturing efficiency and scale.

Strategic Supply Agreements for EV Battery Materials

Ford has also secured long-term supply deals to ensure stable access to critical materials. In October 2024, LG Energy Solution signed a contract to deliver 109 GWh of batteries from 2026, with terms extending up to six years. Meanwhile, US specialty chemicals firm Albemarle agreed to supply over 100,000 tonnes of lithium hydroxide between 2026 and 2030.

These partnerships highlight Ford’s focus on securing raw materials essential for its EV expansion. The agreements align with global trends of automakers locking in lithium and battery supply to mitigate price volatility and ensure future production capacity.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Ford’s Cologne investment reflects the growing importance of localized EV battery production in Europe. By integrating supply agreements with global partners, Ford strengthens its resilience against supply chain disruptions. This strategy not only supports its electrification roadmap but also places it in direct competition with European and Asian automakers accelerating EV deployment.