Electric vehicles are becoming more common in America with each passing year, and this means that major automakers like Ford are having to dedicate more effort to their production. This is something that Ford recently made another step towards along with partner companies SK On and EcoProBM. Together, they have recently announced an investment of C$1.2 billion towards a cathode manufacturing facility in Canada.
“Ford has been serving customers in Canada for 119 years, longer than any other automaker, and we’re excited to invest in this new facility to create a vertically integrated, closed-loop battery manufacturing supply chain in North America designed to help make electric vehicles more accessible for millions of people over time,” said Bev Goodman, president and CEO, Ford of Canada. “We’re excited for the opportunity for our first-ever investment in Québec with a new facility that will help shape the EV ecosystem there.”
The new Ford plant will be located in Québec and will be dedicated to producing the components for EV batteries, called cathode active materials (CAM). Ford’s plans to localize battery raw material processing in the regions where its electric vehicles are produced led to the creation of this plant, as well as the plans for the CAM produced there to target greater performance levels and improved EV range when compared to existing products.
The Québec location is expected to become operational in the first half of 2026, and construction on the site has already begun. The location will span 3 million square feet of space with a six-floor building, and it’s estimated that once it begins production it will create at least 345 new jobs in engineering, sales, service, and more, as well as creating opportunities for local students.
“This investment once again shows that Canada is the green strategic partner of choice for world leaders in the automobile industry,” said The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. “Today, we are helping to further position Quebec as a key hub in the electric vehicle supply chain, as we continue to build our battery ecosystem. This investment is good for the environment and for the economy, and it will ensure well-paying jobs for years to come.”
“I am very proud that Quebec has drawn the attention of big players like Ford-EcoProBM-SK On,” added François Legault, Premier of Quebec. “After GM-Posco this spring, we are announcing a new major investment of 1.2 billion in the Vallée de la transition énergétique, which will allow for the construction of a new cathode active materials plant in Bécancour. We are building the foundations of an industry that will allow Quebec to become a leader in the green economy in North America and the world. With the energy transition, we have the chance to make a name for ourselves in the new economy, to become richer all while reducing global GHG emissions.”
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