Ford’s BlueOval Battery Park Hits 500 Hires, Aims to Ship LFP EV Cells in 2026
F•Ford’s BlueOval Battery Park Michigan in Marshall has grown to over 500 employees out of a planned 1,700, with hiring on pace to reach 800 by year-end from 11,500 applications received. The plant will begin shipping lithium-iron phosphate prismatic EV batteries in 2026 to power Ford’s $30,000 midsize electric truck.
1. Hiring Progress at BlueOval Battery Park Michigan
Ford's Marshall plant employs over 500 workers out of a planned 1,700 and aims to reach 800 by year-end, drawing from 11,500 job applications submitted primarily by candidates within a 60-mile radius, with more than 70% of hires from Marshall, Albion and Battle Creek.
2. LFP Battery Production Timeline
The facility is on track to ship its first lithium-iron phosphate prismatic EV batteries in 2026, positioning Ford to be the first US automaker to deliver LFP cells for mainstream use and powering its upcoming $30,000 midsize electric truck on the Universal EV Platform.
3. Partnership and Project Details
Ford invested $3.5 billion in the BlueOval Battery Park Michigan, partnering with CATL on production and testing under strict quality standards, and has expanded its footprint by launching Ford Energy to manufacture large battery storage systems at the same site.
