Ford announced on X that it will invest $5 billion in the United States as part of what it calls its "next Model T moment."
According to CleanTechnica, Ford is positioning its latest electric vehicle (EV) strategy as what CEO Jim Farley dubbed a "Model T moment," a metaphor for a transformative shift akin to how the original Model T democratized automobile ownership. Farley first used the phrase during the company’s second-quarter earnings call, emphasizing that Ford would soon reveal a breakthrough electric vehicle and platform in the U.S. This implies a major reorientation of Ford’s approach to EV manufacturing, signaling a pivot toward more affordable, scalable EV solutions.
Research published in "Nature Communications" outlines the environmental impacts associated with the mining and processing of materials required for electric vehicle batteries, such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel. The study reports that these processes can result in water depletion, pollution, and ecosystem disruption in regions where extraction occurs. The environmental implications of sourcing these materials are an identified challenge in the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
Ford's $5 billion investment in a new electric vehicle and battery plant is closely tied to its licensing agreement with Chinese battery giant CATL, which will provide essential battery technology for the project. Axios reports that the partnership structure allows Ford to access CATL’s expertise in lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, which are crucial for the production of affordable electric vehicles while Ford retains control of the U.S.-based facility. This arrangement is intended to enable Ford to rapidly scale up EV production while navigating both technological and geopolitical supply chain considerations.
The Ford Motor Company is an American multinational automaker founded by Henry Ford in 1903 and is headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan. Over its history, Ford has become known for pioneering assembly line manufacturing and introducing iconic vehicles such as the Model T, F-Series trucks, and Mustang, establishing itself as one of the world’s largest automobile manufacturers. Today, Ford continues to operate globally, producing a wide range of cars, trucks, SUVs, and electric vehicles and remains a publicly traded company listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
