Ford CEO defends China battery strategy as affordable $28K electric truck nears launch

Ford CEO Jim Farley has pushed back against US government criticism regarding the automaker's reliance on Chinese technology. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy recently accused Ford of intertwining its future with state-backed Chinese enterprises due to a licensing agreement with battery giant CATL for its Michigan-based BlueOval facility. Farley dismissed these claims as misunderstandings, emphasizing that Ford retains ownership and operational control of the plant. The controversy arrives as Ford prepares to launch the Fathom, an affordable electric pickup truck starting at $28,350. The vehicle, developed by Ford’s “skunkworks” team, utilizes the company’s new Universal EV platform and LFP battery technology. Designed to compete with rivals like the Slate truck, the Fathom features bidirectional charging and advanced driver-assistance hardware. Ford maintains that its domestic manufacturing footprint remains the largest in the US, asserting that its strategic partnerships are essential for scaling affordable electric vehicle production.