Did CATL Develop Batteries For Upcoming Ford Pickups?

Ford and Chinese battery giant CATL have a long-standing partnership, most recently involving Ford licensing LFP battery technology to build units at BlueOval Battery Park Michigan without any China-sourced raw materials. These units are slated for the upcoming Ford Fathom and the Ford Energy business unit, while CATL may also supply batteries for future pickups.

According to the Financial Times, CATL recently unveiled a new battery technology specifically targeted at American pickups, designed to handle their height and deliver the high power output needed for large, heavier models. These new batteries have already undergone testing by various automakers, though CATL kept specific names under wraps.

While Chinese companies face tariffs and export barriers to the U.S., CATL suggested it could license the technology to other firms, much like it currently does with Ford. Meanwhile, Donald Trump has expressed openness to letting Chinese automakers operate plants in America.

Given the close ties between Ford and CATL, industry watchers note it would make sense for this new tech to potentially power future models like the upcoming F-150 Lightning, which is set to transition from an all-electric setup to an extended range electric vehicle powertrain. Ford previously stated that licensing CATL technology simplifies this pivot.