Powering the Future: Ford's Bold Venture into Battery Dominance
A New Era for Ford: Beyond Vehicle Production
For over a century, Ford's core business has revolved around designing, producing, and selling automobiles. However, the advent of the electric vehicle era is introducing new complexities and opportunities. The company is exploring innovative revenue streams, including advanced software services, specialized corporate fleets, and most notably, the large-scale production and sale of battery cells for electric vehicles and hybrids.
BlueOval SK: A Strategic Battery Powerhouse
A recent report reveals that Ford's joint venture with SK On, named BlueOval SK, is exploring the possibility of transforming its extensive battery manufacturing facilities into a distinct profit center. This initiative involves selling surplus battery capacity to a wide range of external clients, including other car manufacturers and providers of grid energy storage solutions. This move positions Ford to become a leading domestic supplier of essential battery components in the United States.
The Unexpected Surplus: A Blessing in Disguise
Ford has invested billions into its collaboration with SK On, establishing state-of-the-art battery plants in Tennessee and Kentucky, supported by a substantial loan from the U.S. government. However, projections indicate that the production capacity of these facilities will exceed Ford's internal needs for its own electric vehicle lineup. This unexpected surplus, rather than being a setback, is now seen as a significant advantage for the broader industry.
Adapting to Market Realities
Michael Adams, CEO of BlueOval SK, noted that while the Tennessee plant is slated to open in 2027, the pace of Ford's internal EV production growth might be slower than initially forecast. He emphasized a cautious approach, acknowledging that the overall EV market, while still expanding, is doing so at a more measured rate. This adjustment reflects broader industry trends, including the conclusion of federal tax credits and the impact of tariffs, which are anticipated to lead to a decrease in EV sales starting in the third quarter of this year, resulting in a considerable excess of battery supply for Ford.
Seizing New Opportunities in Battery Sales
The logical next step for Ford is to sell its surplus battery cells. Adams expressed optimism regarding the potential for securing new customers for this excess capacity. This outlook is bolstered by the increasing import tariffs on foreign-made vehicles and components, which incentivizes domestic production. By manufacturing batteries within the U.S., Ford can assist other brands in mitigating these added costs, thereby simultaneously generating new revenue for itself and strengthening the domestic supply chain.
Diversifying Beyond Automotive: Energy Storage Solutions
Ford's future success may not solely depend on its next groundbreaking EV model, though an affordable electric pickup truck could certainly contribute. Instead, the company appears to be strategically targeting the lucrative energy storage market. This sector has proven to be a substantial growth area for companies like Tesla. As global electrification accelerates, the demand for batteries will continue to surge, and Ford is uniquely positioned to fulfill this critical need, potentially becoming a dominant force in the energy storage landscape.
Toyota has officially launched the 2026 iteration of its electric crossover, now simply named the bZ, in the United States. This model, a successor to the bZ4X, presents a revised pricing structure and notable performance enhancements. While the base XLE FWD variant is more accessible at a starting price of $36,350, being $2,170 less than the previous model year, it comes with a smaller 57.5-kWh battery, resulting in a reduced estimated range of 236 miles and a power output of 168 horsepower. This contrasts with the 2025 bZ4X's base model, which offered 252 miles of range and 201 horsepower from a 71.4 kWh battery.
Conversely, the higher trims of the 2026 bZ boast substantial improvements. Models above the entry-level now feature a larger 74.7-kWh battery, an upgrade from the 2025 model's 72.8 kWh, leading to impressive gains in range and power. For instance, the bZ XLE FWD Plus achieves an estimated 314 miles of range, an increase of 62 miles, despite a moderate price rise to $39,350. The all-wheel-drive (AWD) variants also see significant boosts, with the XLE AWD priced at $41,350 offering 288 miles of range (up by 60 miles) and a combined output of 338 horsepower, a substantial leap from the previous year. The top-tier Limited FWD and Limited AWD trims also exhibit increased range and power, with their prices rising accordingly, reflecting the enhanced capabilities.
Beyond performance, the 2026 Toyota bZ introduces several technological and convenience upgrades. While the DC fast-charging speed remains at 150 kilowatts, consistent with the previous model, the AC charging speed has been improved to 11 kW, facilitating quicker home charging. A significant development is the inclusion of a Tesla-style NACS charging port as standard, streamlining access to Tesla's Supercharger network and other NACS-equipped chargers, though a CCS adapter will be necessary for compatibility with non-NACS stations. Standard features across all trims include LED lighting, dual-zone automatic climate control, digital key compatibility, a comprehensive suite of eight airbags, automatic braking, a 14-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the advanced Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 driver assistance package, underscoring Toyota's commitment to modern features and safety.
The 2026 Toyota bZ represents a forward stride in the electric vehicle market, balancing affordability with advanced features and enhanced range. This strategic evolution highlights Toyota's dedication to delivering practical and feature-rich electric crossovers that meet contemporary demands, setting a positive trajectory for future innovations in sustainable transportation.
Owners of Rivian's R1S and R1T electric vehicles can now rejoice, as a novel third-party solution has emerged to bring the highly sought-after Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionalities to their rides. This development addresses a long-standing desire among Rivian enthusiasts who wished for more extensive smartphone integration despite the vehicles' already capable native infotainment systems. The new device, priced at $399, promises a seamless user experience, enhancing connectivity and entertainment options on the go.
Enhancing Rivian's In-Car Experience with EV Play
In a significant enhancement for Rivian R1S SUV and R1T pickup owners, a California-based company named Amprocity has introduced the EV Play device, which now seamlessly integrates both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto into these electric vehicles. Historically, Rivian, much like Tesla and General Motors, has opted for proprietary infotainment systems, prioritizing their own user interfaces over smartphone mirroring technologies. While Rivian's native system, built on Android Automotive OS, has evolved commendably, even incorporating Google Maps and Spotify, the absence of CarPlay and Android Auto remained a notable gap for many.
The EV Play device, a culmination of a year's dedicated development, directly addresses this need. Priced at $399, it offers both wired and wireless connectivity for CarPlay and Android Auto. Unlike earlier, more rudimentary solutions that involved supplementary screens, EV Play ingeniously taps into Rivian's existing native interface, ensuring a clean and integrated display. Installation is designed to be straightforward, involving the connection of a few fuse taps and interfacing with the vehicle's video and CAN bus connectors. For added convenience, the system supports additional USB accessories like wireless keyboards and Wi-Fi dongles. A dedicated wireless remote allows for easy toggling between Rivian's original interface and the new EV Play environment, maintaining full touchscreen functionality. A clever safety feature ensures that on Gen2 vehicles, the display automatically reverts to the native system for the rear-view camera when reversing.
Beyond smartphone mirroring, the Android-based nature of the EV Play device unlocks a wealth of possibilities. It provides access to the Google Play app store, enabling users to download and utilize a vast array of applications, from popular streaming services like Netflix to productivity tools and even games. This opens up a new dimension of in-car entertainment and utility for Rivian drivers, expanding the vehicle's capabilities far beyond its factory specifications.
This innovative solution by Amprocity highlights the ongoing demand for greater connectivity and personalization within the automotive sector. While manufacturers strive to create comprehensive native systems, the allure of familiar smartphone interfaces remains strong. The EV Play device stands as a testament to entrepreneurial spirit, demonstrating how third-party innovations can fill voids left by original equipment manufacturers, ultimately delivering enhanced value and choice to consumers. It underscores the importance of a robust aftermarket in meeting diverse user preferences, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in vehicle technology.