Guan Cha Zhe Wang·2026-01-29 02:02Core Viewpoint - Ford is deepening its collaboration with CATL to produce energy storage batteries in the U.S., amidst political scrutiny and competition concerns from other American automakers [1][3][5]. Group 1: Collaboration Details - Ford is the first partner of CATL to establish a factory in the U.S. for low-cost lithium iron phosphate electric vehicle batteries, with production expected to start in Michigan [3]. - A new subsidiary, Ford Energy, has been established to focus on battery storage, leveraging CATL's technology [3][6]. - Ford plans to convert a battery factory in Kentucky to produce storage batteries, aiming to supply large AI data centers and offset losses from its electric vehicle transition [3][5]. Group 2: Political and Competitive Landscape - The U.S. House's "China Committee" is pressuring Ford for more details on its collaboration with CATL, citing concerns over national security and supply chain independence [4][5]. - Some U.S. lawmakers and competitors are worried that Ford's existing agreements with CATL may provide it with an unfair competitive advantage due to federal tax credits [5][6]. - The "Big and Beautiful Act," promoted by Trump, allows Ford to continue receiving federal subsidies for existing agreements with "restricted foreign entities" until July 2025, despite new restrictions on future agreements [5][6]. Group 3: Industry Reactions - Ford's CEO, Jim Farley, has expressed intentions to reduce reliance on Chinese components to mitigate supply chain risks while acknowledging the competitive landscape posed by Chinese automakers [7]. - The American automotive industry, represented by the Automotive Innovation Alliance, has raised alarms about the perceived threat from Chinese automakers and urged the government to prevent their establishment in the U.S. [7][8].