高工锂电·2025-08-23 08:23Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges faced by American electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturers, particularly focusing on Ford's BlueOval SK joint venture with SK On, which is struggling to find buyers for surplus batteries produced at its Kentucky plant shortly after starting mass production. The article highlights the impact of policy uncertainty and cost sensitivity on the EV market in the U.S. [2][3][4] Group 1: Production and Sales Challenges - BlueOval SK's Kentucky plant began mass production of high-density power batteries for Ford's F-150 Lightning, but sales pressures have led to underutilization of production capacity, with only 7,913 units sold in Q1 2025, a slight decline from the previous year [4] - Similar challenges are observed with Tesla and its battery supplier Panasonic, which has delayed the full production of its DeSoto battery plant to March 2027 due to sales setbacks [5] - The U.S. EV market is showing weaker growth compared to Europe and China, with a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of 15.68 million vehicles in June, down from over 17 million in March and April [6] Group 2: Policy and Market Dynamics - The cancellation of tax credits under the Trump administration has led to decreased consumer expectations, prompting companies to adjust their EV and battery investment projects in the U.S. [6] - The American Clean Energy Association reported that about 21 GWh of planned battery capacity for 2028 has been canceled due to tariff and market uncertainties [7] Group 3: Technological Shifts - American battery manufacturers have traditionally focused on nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) technology, which offers high energy density but comes with high material costs [8][9] - The article notes a shift towards lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, which are becoming more popular due to their cost-effectiveness, with companies like GM and Ford planning to transition some production lines to LFP [11][12] Group 4: Energy Storage Market - The demand for energy storage in the U.S. is expected to rise, with a projected 40 GWh of storage capacity needed in 2024, representing 20% of global demand [14] - Despite challenges, local production of storage batteries is increasing, with LG Energy and Tesla entering into a $4.3 billion agreement for LFP battery production in Michigan [15] Group 5: Future Outlook - The article emphasizes the need for American battery companies to quickly clarify effective technology investments and market strategies amid fluctuating policies and market conditions [18] - The potential for residential and commercial energy storage markets is highlighted, with record installations expected in 2024 [18]