“CPI is an emerging leader in the lithium-ion battery field and we are pleased to have them as a strategic supplier as we prepare to bring the Ford Focus Electric to market,” Sherif Marakby, Ford director for Sustainable Mobility Products and Hybrid programs said when announcing the decision.
“We are moving aggressively with our electrification strategy and our work to help make Michigan a center of excellence for a range of electrified vehicles.”
For the task, CPI is already getting ready to finalize the selection process for the future US plant in Holland, Michigan. Since it's doubtful work on the future plant will be ready by 2011, the year when the Focus EV is scheduled to be released, the first batteries will be shipped from Korea through LG Chem.
“We are very excited to be partnering with Ford on their new battery electric-powered Ford Focus,” Prabhakar Patil, CPI CEO added.
“It tells us we are on track in developing high-power and high-energy lithium-ion batteries that the industry needs as it moves toward the electrification of vehicles that lessen our dependence on foreign oil.”
Ford plans to make the Focus EV reach a range of some 100 miles (160 km). It will be assembled at the Michigan Assembly Plant, together with the next-generation hybrid and a plug-in hybrid in 2012, all sharing the C-car platform.
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