Ford seeks tax credits to make batteries

MICHIGAN - Ford Motor Co. said it could invest up to $500 million in Michigan for the development and production of batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles if it wins state tax credits.

Ford, which has been assembling batteries from auto supplier Delphi Corp. in Mexico, said it plans to start producing its own battery systems for the next generation of hybrid and plug-in electric vehicles beginning with an electric Transit Connect in 2010 and an electric Ford Focus in 2011. The Focus will be built in Michigan.

Derek Kuzak, Ford's global vice president of product development, said in a conference call that Ford wants to hire up to 1,000 workers for the project.

It is seeking around $120 million in tax credits earmarked for companies that develop batteries. Nancy Gioia, Ford's director of global electric strategy, said she is in talks this week with Michigan leaders but didn't give a deadline for a decision.

Kuzak said many companies have already moved battery production in-house as battery and car design become increasingly interrelated.

Related News

co2 flame

Climate Solution: Use Carbon Dioxide to Generate Electricity

LONDON - The world is quickly realizing it may need to actively pull carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere to stave off the ill effects of climate change. Scientists and engineers have proposed various techniques, but most would be extremely expensive—without generating any revenue. No one wants to foot the bill.

One method explored in the past decade might now be a step closer to becoming practical, as a result of a new computer simulation study. The process would involve pumping airborne CO2 down into methane hydrates—large deposits of icy water and methane right under the seafloor, beneath water 500 to…

READ MORE
Chief Patrick Michell

Independent power project announced by B.C. Hydro now in limbo

READ MORE

DOE

Energy Department Announces 20 New Competitors for the American-Made Solar Prize

READ MORE

Enel Green Power Espana

Enel kicks off 90MW Spanish wind build

READ MORE

rio-tinto-mine

Rio Tinto seeking solutions that transform heat from underground mines into electricity

READ MORE