Ford is in negotiations with BYD for the supply of batteries for its hybrid vehicles. According to a report from the Wall Street Journal, the two companies are still discussing the model of the partnership, with the possibility on the table for the American manufacturer to use batteries from its Chinese counterpart only in its models produced outside the U.S.
If the agreement is confirmed, Ford will gain privileged access to the technology of the world’s largest manufacturer of electrified vehicles, with extensive experience in battery production. This also corroborates the new strategic direction of the American automaker, which anticipates a slight slowdown in demand for fully electric vehicles, and therefore intends to strengthen investment in the development and production of hybrids, an approach that will allow the market (and the brand) to adapt more gradually to the paradigm shift in the sector.
The Dearborn company recently redefined its electrification goals, which now aim for only 50% of global sales to be secured by hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and fully electric vehicles by 2030. Meanwhile, BYD, with this agreement, may further expand its activities related to battery production and supply. According to an estimate from Bernstein Research, the Chinese company’s battery exports last year, compared to 2024, increased by no less than 47%.
