
Ford looks to China’s BYD for hybrid batteries

After betting big on electric vehicles, Ford is recalibrating and this shift may bring it closer to China’s dominant battery powerhouse BYD. The two giant automakers are in talks over a potential deal that would supply batteries for some of Ford’s hybrid models, people familiar with the discussions told the Wall Street Journal. Nothing is finalised but the conversations signal how quickly the global auto strategy is changing as EV demand unwinds. At a basic level, Ford and BYD are exploring how a battery partnership might work. One option on the table is reportedly for Ford to source batteries from BYD for vehicles built and sold outside the United States. Importing China-made batteries directly into the U.S. remains largely impractical due to steep tariffs, making overseas production the most likely path if a deal comes together. While both sides are keeping details close, Ford has acknowledged the discussions only broadly, saying it regularly talks with many companies. Meanwhile, BYD has declined to comment and the sources stressed the talks could still fall apart. However, the timing is no accident, with Ford pulling back from its most ambitious EV plans after demand failed to meet expectations.



