Ford's EV Battery Plant in Michigan: Adjusting to Market Realities

Ford Motor Co. has made the decision to scale back the $3.5 billion investment to $1.5 Billion for its EV battery plant in Michigan, a pivotal development for contractors and the construction industry. The move signals reduced opportunities and highlights the need for strategic adaptation to shifting market dynamics in electric vehicle infrastructure.

Change of plans

Ford's first planned investment aimed for a production capacity of thirty-five gigawatt hours, but it has been reduced to twenty gigawatt hours in the revised plan. The initial investment also projected 2,500 jobs, which has been reduced to 1,700.
The company has altered plans significantly due to a combination of factors, including market demand and financial considerations.

Decision tied to slower EV growth, cautious spending

Ford highlighted that the decision stems from a slower-than-anticipated growth in EV adoption and the company’s desire to be disciplined about spending and matching future demand. This move is part of a broader move by Ford to cut back approximately $12 billion in spending on EVs, due to lower sales and significant financial losses on EVs during the recent quarter.

Labor costs have also played a significant factor in the decision-making process. Ford reached an agreement with the United Auto Workers (UAW) in November 2023.

Despite these challenges and reductions, Ford remains committed to the project, with plans to start producing lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery cells in 2026.

Despite Ford reduction, manufacturing construction infrastructure grows

The manufacturing construction infrastructure industry had increased spending by 65.5% as of August 2023 with help from federal funding from the Inflation Reduction Act to continue the construction of EV battery factories, chip fabrication plants, biotechnology facilities, and other clean energy projects.

With the increase in the manufacturing construction infrastructure industry, the construction of EV battery plants will continue to grow with the help of federal funding and tax credits.

Even with Ford's reduction of the EV battery plant in Michigan, the influence of uncertainty in the market, and the low sale rates for electric vehicles, this industry has continued to grow with an annual growth rate of 18.17% between 2023-2028.

With the changing market, the construction industry should keep a close eye on electric vehicles and how it can impact their business. If you are interested in discussing this topic more and decisions that might affect your business, contact a member of our construction practice.

01/05/2024