An enormous electric vehicle battery factory is planned for construction in Becancour, Quebec. This plant will produce batteries for Ford’s upcoming electric vehicles. This development coincides with an increasing demand for electric cars in Quebec.
On Thursday, a partnership involving Ford Motor Co and South Korean firms announced plans to construct a C$1.2 billion (equivalent to $887 million) facility for producing electric vehicle (EV) battery materials in Becancour, Quebec. As stated by Canada’s industry ministry, this initiative is part of efforts to establish Becancour as a key hub in the EV supply chain. The consortium comprises South Korean companies EcoProBM and SK On Co Ltd. The proposed factory is set to annually produce 45,000 tonnes of cathode active materials (CAM) for Ford’s EVs, featuring high-quality Nickel Cobalt Manganese (NCM) for rechargeable batteries to enhance performance and extend EV range.
Lisa Drake, Ford’s vice president for EVs, mentioned that this cathode facility would supply materials for Ford’s future EVs in North America, particularly some upcoming truck models. This marks Ford’s first investment in Quebec, though it has operated in neighbouring Ontario for over a century. The Canadian federal government and Quebec support this project with conditional and partially forgivable loans of C$322 million each. The facility is expected to commence operations in the first half of 2026, creating over 345 jobs. This development adds to Becancour’s growing significance as an EV supply chain hub in North America.
In related news, General Motors Co and South Korea’s POSCO Future M have plans to expand a chemical battery materials facility in Becancour. Additionally, BASF SE of Germany is constructing a battery materials factory there.
By leveraging its extensive mining sector rich in lithium, nickel, and cobalt, Canada is actively attracting companies across the EV supply chain spectrum through a significant green technology fund. This aligns with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Furthermore, Volkswagen and Stellantis are constructing major battery plants in Ontario, highlighting the region’s traditional ties with Detroit’s automotive industry.
