Ford Rains on Its Own Parade: ‘Fusion Hybrid May Face Battery Shortages’

Articles — By forcechange on December 31, 2008 9:18 am

It was so refreshing to write a positive post about a Detroit automaker earlier this week.  The topic was Ford’s new Fusion hybrid which is rated by the EPA to get 39 mpg combined, which would make it the third most efficient mainstream car on the road in the U.S.  (After the Prius and Civic hybrid). 

However, ensuring that this excitement didn’t become contagious, or last too long, Ford is already warning that they cannot get enough hybrid batteries to meet potential demand.  Ford Americas President Mark Fields said, “We are constrained by the amount of components, including batteries, that the supply base can provide us.”  The Fusion uses nickel metal hydride batteries that are supplied by Japanese company Sanyo.

Two things.  First, this comes as little surprise.  Ford hasn’t had a really hot car since the Ford Explorers began imploding ten years ago and it probably doesn’t remember how to be successful anymore.  And second, this reinforces the importance of encouraging a domestic battery industry.  Of course, battery shortages could still occur with domestic production, but the sheer importance of batteries in the 21st century is so enormous that it would behoove us to have our own industry and expertise, as well.

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