Ford and SK, a Korean battery maker, have recently disclosed a plan to develop a new $1.2 billion battery cathode factory in Becancour. This is also known as Quebec’s battery valley.
Additionally, both of these giants revealed to build various battery factories in the US. This is to support the automaker’s futuristic electric vehicle plans. Since the same needs a huge ramp-up in battery supply. Apart from battery cell production, the companies also seeking to create a complete battery supply chain in North America.
Lately, Ford, SK, and EcoProBM, cathode expertise declared that they have associated together intended to aim for a massive new factory in Becancour, Quebec. The aim is to maintain cathode material for batteries in order to fulfill the demand.
SK On, EcoProBM and Ford today are announcing an investment of C$1.2 billion to build a cathode manufacturing facility that will provide materials that ultimately supply batteries for Ford’s future electric vehicles.
When it comes to implementation then planning to start production in the first half of 2026. While producing up to 45,000 tonnes of CAM per year. As they mentioned in a press release that it will produce NCM cathodes.
EcoPro CAM Canada LP will manufacture cathode active materials and, more precisely, high quality Nickel Cobalt Manganese (NCM) for rechargeable batteries that are targeting greater performance levels and improved EV range compared to existing products, thanks in part to EcoPro’s core shell gradient (CSG) technology.
The reason to build a factory in Quebec’s battery valley is because the region became a hub for a number of investments in battery materials. It includes the names of GM-Posco, Nemaska Lithium, Nouveau Graphite, and more.
Ford, stated that construction has already started:
Construction has begun on the 280,000 square-meter (or more than 3 million square-feet) site and will include a six-floor building that will house approximately 345 new jobs for Canada – from engineers and sales and service professionals to co-op positions for students from local universities and colleges in Québec. EcoPro CAM Canada LP also will pursue research and development activities aiming at increasing battery safety and performance as well as increasing productivity and minimizing the environmental footprint of its manufacturing process.
It is to be noted that Cathode material production is presently very limited in North America. While this drive is predicted to enable Ford to stay on track. This is in regard to the requirements in order to source battery materials from North America, for its electric vehicles that suppose to be eligible for the $7,500 federal tax credit.
