Automakers like Ford and GM are jumping into a whole new business where Tesla is a serious player

Core Insights - U.S. automakers are diversifying into the energy storage sector as they shift focus from electric vehicles (EVs) and aim to utilize their battery factories, which have substantial investments [1][2] Industry Overview - The energy storage market leverages similar technology as EV batteries, providing solutions for homes, businesses, and utilities [1] - Electricity demand is increasing, driven by the growth of data centers and the electrification of appliances, although the future demand for energy storage remains uncertain [3][4] - Renewable energy sources face intermittency issues, and batteries can help mitigate this by storing excess energy for later use [4] Company Developments - Ford is converting its Kentucky battery factory to produce energy storage batteries and plans to allocate space in its Michigan factory for residential storage [5][6] - Tesla's Energy division has been profitable, with margins significantly higher than its automotive business, contributing about 20% to total revenue [7] - General Motors (GM) has launched GM Energy and introduced the PowerBank, with sales reportedly increasing fivefold since January [8][9] Market Demand - The cost of battery storage systems has decreased significantly compared to projections from 15 years ago, and there is a guaranteed customer base due to regulatory requirements in some states [10] - The residential battery market, while promising, faces challenges due to high costs for homeowners [11] - Demand from commercial sectors, particularly data centers, is expected to surge, with projections indicating a potential threefold increase in energy demand by 2028 [12] Challenges and Competition - Transitioning to energy storage is fundamentally different from automotive sales, requiring distinct marketing and technical approaches [14][15] - Automakers like Ford lack direct experience in energy storage, which may pose challenges in competing with established players in the market [16] - There are incentives for U.S. manufacturing in the energy sector, particularly against foreign competition, which could benefit companies like Ford [16][17]