According to several media reports, U.S. automaker Ford is negotiating with Chinese battery manufacturer BYD about a possible collaboration in the field of hybrid vehicles. The talks involve supplying batteries for models outside the United States. According to people familiar with the matter, the discussions are not yet complete, and a contract has not yet been signed.
Fewer sales of purely electric vehicles
This potential partnership comes amid declining sales of purely electric vehicles. Ford announced a 19.5-billion-dollar write-down in December 2025 and canceled several planned electric models. The shift towards more affordable models and hybrids is seen as a response to mounting cost pressures and the technological advancements of Chinese suppliers in batteries and manufacturing.
Collaboration already exists
Ford already collaborates with BYD in China, where several of the American car manufacturerʼs models are equipped with BYD batteries. The Mustang Mach-E has been produced locally since 2021 and uses lithium batteries from BYDʼs Xiʼan plant. The electric Bronco, unveiled in December 2025, also uses BYD components, including blade batteries in the long-range version.
