Toronto, Ontario — Ford announces a massive investment into a Michigan-based battery plant, U.S. federal mandates require Tesla to open its charging network to other companies and an Alberta utility company is calling on EV-owning customers to join a charging grid pilot project. This is the latest in electric and autonomous vehicles.
Covering battery bases
Ford announced a US$3.5 billion investment toward the construction of what would be the U.S.’s first OEM-operated lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery production plant, planned for Marshall, Mich.
This new facility, to be officially called BlueOval Battery Park Michigan, is expected to employ about 2,500 people when production begins in 2026.
Ford says this decision builds on the company’s total investment into battery technology, bringing OEM’s expenditure in this area to about $17.6 billion since 2019, in addition to providing customers an alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries.
“We are committed to leading the electric vehicle revolution in America, and that means investing in the technology and jobs that will keep us on the cutting edge of this global transformation in our industry,” said Bill Ford, Ford executive chair. “I am also proud that we chose our home state of Michigan for this critical battery production hub.”
Meanwhile, this past week Ford was forced to temporarily cease production of its electric Ford F-150 Lightning pickup trucks due to issues with its lithium-ion battery, according to Reuters.
Works well with others
Tesla has been forced to share its toys with the other kids, following a decision from U.S. President Joe Biden that will require the leading EV brand to allow vehicles from other automakers to make use of its extensive charging station network.
Drivers of EVs other than those of a certain Musk will be able to, by late 2024, access Tesla’s network of more than 3,500 Supercharger stations, in addition to 4,000 slower chargers to be installed at locations like hotels and restaurants.
In a surprising moment of humility from the outspoken CEO, Elon Musk said “Thank you, Tesla is happy to support other EVs via our Supercharger network.”
This decision from the Biden administration will come with a conditional subsidy for Tesla that would require the company to retrofit its fleet with the federally-backed charging standard, CCS.
Tesla has yet to issue its stance on retrofitting.
Charged opinions
Do you live in southern Alberta and own an EV? Well, FortisAlberta wants to hear about your experiences with charging at home and on the go.
The provincial utility company says it is seeking insights on “where and when residential EV charging is drawing large amounts of power from the grid, as well as how to best respond to increased demand on the distribution system as we look to optimize the grid and minimize distribution costs for all customers.”
To enroll, you must simply own a battery electric vehicle, have either an indoor or outdoor home charging station, and be a FortisAlberta customer.
Click here for more information on participating in the 2023 electric vehicle smart charging pilot.
