Ford is adding lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries to the European line-up for the Mustang Mach-E, making the electric crossover “more affordable and accessible”.

The new LFP-equipped models will be offered alongside the current Mach-E models with nickel cobalt manganese (NCM) batteries

The new LFP-equipped models will be offered alongside the current Mach-E models with nickel cobalt manganese (NCM) batteries. They will also roll out in other models, including the F-150 Lightning pickup and future EVs.

Ford said the move would enable customers to choose electric vehicles most aligned with their needs while also enabling it to build more EVs and maintain or even lower prices for customers.

LFP batteries are highly durable, use fewer high-demand, high-cost materials and can tolerate enhanced fast charging capability.

“Ford’s electric vehicle line-up has generated huge demand. We’re delivering on our commitments as we scale LFP and NCM batteries and thousands, and soon millions, of customers will begin to reap the benefits of Ford EVs with cutting-edge, durable battery technologies that are growing more affordable over time,” said Jim Farley, Ford president and CEO.

Ford has also announced it is investing $3.5bn (£2.9bn/€3.3bn) to build the first automaker-backed LFP battery plant in the US – called BlueOval Battery Park Michigan – which will open in 2026. It’s part of the company’s $50bn+ (£41.8bn/€47.1bn) worldwide investment in EVs.

The brand said that diversifying and localising its battery supply chain in the regions where it builds EVs will improve availability and affordability for customers while strengthening consumer demand. It will also support Ford’s plans to produce 600,000 electric vehicles annually by the end of this year and two million by the end of 2026.

“Ford’s electric vehicle line-up has generated huge demand. We’re delivering on our commitments as we scale LFP and NCM batteries and thousands, and soon millions, of customers will begin to reap the benefits of Ford EVs with cutting-edge, durable battery technologies that are growing more affordable over time,” added Farley.