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Azeem Khan

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  • Published: Dec 12 2025 07:32 PM
  • Last Updated: Dec 12 2025 08:26 PM

Ford grabs 2 KY battery plants, SK On takes TN one. Trump cuts $9.6B loan, CEO warns 50% EV sales drop. Deal ends Q1 2026—jobs n hybrids next?



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What if you invested billions in the EV future, only for your partner to walk away and the government to pull funding? Stomach dropping yet? This Ford SK On split is shaking the auto industry—miss the details and regret it. Keep reading, because jobs, dreams, and hybrids are all at stake!

Why This Ford SK On Split Shakes Everything

Ford and SK On are ending their big BlueOval team up after pouring billions into US battery spots. Started back in 2021 for EV trucks but slow sales hit hard. Ford takes full ownership of two Ford Kentucky battery plants—one running low now, other building. SK On Tennessee plant goes solo for SK. Deal wraps Q1 2026 if approvals come. Extras like SK eyeing power grids not just cars—smart move? Workers wonder about steady paychecks. Kinda sad after all the hype.

Ford ends SK On Partnership

Ford’s Big Win: Kentucky Plants All Yours

Ford Kentucky battery plants stay with Ford: Glendale and Lawrenceburg—60 GWh total for F-150 Lightning and more. Glendale opened this year making cells slow. Unions happy Ford stays, means 5k jobs safer maybe. But EV slowdown means hybrids fill gap. Families moved there for green boom, now pivot time. Feels tough but Ford vows to keep going. 

  • Glendale: running early 2025

  • Lawrenceburg: still building

  • 11k jobs promised total

What Happens Now At The SK On Tennessee Plant?

SK On Tennessee plant is 45 GWh BlueOval City—no start date yet, flexible. They sell to Hyundai VW or grids, not tied Ford only. Boosts SK US power to 67 GWh. Local hopes quick jobs but wait and see. Extra: safety woes and union fights hit before split. Pivot to energy storage hot now—win from mess? 

How Trump’s Loan Cut Hits Ford’s EV Plans

Trump team cuts up to $9.6B DOE loans for venture—Ford piece shrinks bad. No more EV tax perks or push? Ford CEO Jim Farley EV warning says Ford EV sales drop 50% max. Ouch for dreams! Feels like policy whiplash after Biden bets. Humans hurt most—engineers families stressed. 

Battery Plants Breakdown: Who Gets What?

Plant

Owner Now

Capacity

Status

KY Glendale

Ford

30 GWh

Low production

KY Lawrenceburg

Ford

30 GWh

Under construction

TN BlueOval City

SK On

45 GWh

No start yet

Total Investment

Split

$11.4B

Q1 2026 close

Jobs

11,000

-

Uncertain

What This Split Really Means For Workers And EV Fans

Picture leaving home for EV gold rush, now hybrids and cuts. Ford CEO Jim Farley EV warning real talk stings but honest. KY cheers Ford roots, TN prays SK ramps fast. Trump change bitter pill but auto adapts. Extra: Ford hybrids sell hot, SK grids boom. Survival story not end—kinda inspiring too? Whats next for green cars? 

Ford ends SK On Partnership

Conclusion

This Ford SK On split shakes EV world but shows real adapting. With Ford EV sales drop 50% fears and loan drama, hybrids and grids rise. Jobs wobble but pros say bounce back. Eye on Q1 2026—stay tuned cuz auto future changing fast!

Source(Image / Thumbnail): www.carscoops.com

FAQ

Ford and SK On end their BlueOval battery deal. Ford keeps two Kentucky plants, SK On takes Tennessee one. Deal closes Q1 2026 amid EV slowdown.

Ford takes full control of Glendale and Lawrenceburg—60 GWh total for trucks like F-150 Lightning. One running low, other building.

SK On gets the 45 GWh BlueOval City factory solo. Theyll sell to Hyundai, VW or power grids—no firm start date yet.

Trump plans to slash up to $9.6B DOE loans. Hits Ford hard, no more EV tax perks—Ford EV sales drop 50% possible warns CEO.

Farley says US EV sales could crash 50% without credits. Blames policy shift—hybrids now fill the gap.

11,000 promised total. Kentucky safer with Ford, Tennessee waits on SK ramp-up. Unions mixed but hopeful.

Q1 2026 if approvals pass. $11.4B investment split—SK eyes energy storage boom too.

Slow EV demand plus Trump cuts. Ford pivots hybrids, SK chases grids. Real talk on green car future!

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