LG Chem arm Compact Power to develop lithium-ion batteries for Ford ev

Compact Power, Inc. (CPI), a subsidiary of LG Chem, will build lithium-ion battery packs for the Ford Focus Electric, which will go on sale in the US in 2011.

The Focus Electric battery packs will leverage CPI and parent company LG Chem's expertise in advanced flat format lithium-ion cells and advanced liquid-cooled modules and battery management systems.

''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,'' said Sherif Marakby, Ford director, sustainable mobility products and hybrid programmes. ''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.''

CPI, based in Troy, Michigan, will begin battery pack assembly for the Ford Focus Electric next year and is currently finalising production site selection for the US.

The lithium-ion cells for the packs will initially be sourced from Korea through LG Chem. LG Chem and CPI have planned to localise cell production at their new site in Holland, Michigan.

''We are very excited to be partnering with Ford on their new battery electric-powered Ford Focus,'' said Prabhakar Patil, CEO of CPI. ''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.''