Editorial: Absent analyst misundertands what Bill Ford said about batteries
Ford Focus EV - Click above for high-res image gallery
Here at ABG, we're not fond of sniping with other sites. However, when someone call us out, we feel the need to respond. Such is the case with self-proclaimed analyst Jack Lifton. This past Tuesday, Ford held an event at in Dearborn to announce the development of a vehicle to grid communications system for plug-in vehicles. During the course of his remarks and the subsequent Q&A, Bill Ford responded to a question from veteran journalist Jim McCraw.
To the best of our knowledge, Mr. Lifton was not present at the event. So unless he heard a recording of the Q&A session, his comments regarding what Mr. Ford said about buying versus making batteries is utter speculation. However, we were there – recorder in hand – to capture McCraw's question and Ford's response.
Jim McCraw: Ultimately do you think it will be better for the company to make its own batteries or just buy them?There was no ambiguity in Mr. Ford's response and little room for interpretation. Ford Motor Company has no plans to build its own batteries. The degree of battery expertise Ford may have on its staff is debatable, but from ABG's past discussions, Ford was not actively involved in developing battery chemistry except to the degree that they tested various cell and battery types from different suppliers to evaluate performance.
Bill Ford: Well, initially just to buy them. I don't know, it's such early days. But we don't have any particular battery expertise. I think that we're very happy with the suppliers that we are working with. Nancy [Gioia] will have a view on this, but at least initially we don't plan to do it. Who knows when you get down the road, but I think we should probably stick to the vehicle integration piece which is what we do best.
You can listen to the entire session with Mr. Ford below or fast-forward to the 9:50 to hear McCraw's question.
Ford Chairman Bill Ford speaking to media
Gallery: ABG Quick Drive: Ford Focus EV mule
[Source: GLG Group]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Nick P. 6:55PM (8/21/2009)
Not sure why he picked on AutoblogGreen, but Bill Ford's answer is correct in that Ford does not *build* the batteries (as in manufacturing them). Also, it's possible that Bill Ford is not intimate with every single manufacturing detail at the company: all he knows is that they are buying them from another company. Ford is a large company after all.
Again, Mr. Lifton could have made his point without attacking ABG.
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srue 7:01PM (8/21/2009)
Go get him, Sam!
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Chris M 8:11PM (8/21/2009)
Unfortunately, there are no standards or qualifying tests to be an "Analyst", anyone can call themselves that, even with a distinct lack of understanding of the subject they are supposedly analyzing.
Jack Liftton did admit he wasn't there, but assumed AutoBlog wasn't there, either! Ooops. Never assume, it makes an "ass" of "u" and "me".
While I was there I reviewed a few other "analyses" by the same character. He assumed that the Tesla vehicle wouldn't be safe or reliable based on his opinion of compact fluorescent lightbulbs (I kid you not) and Ford Motor company firing some of their experts in the 1990's! Ironically, he later claims that Ford has great expertise in batteries, and that was why he thought that AutoBlog had got it wrong. No, it's Mr. Lifton that gets it wrong - both ways.
He then pretends that NiMH batteries "clearly outperform" LiIon, based solely on their reliability and the fact that the hybrid makers are still using NiMH. He didn't even consider issues of energy density, power density, weight, or cost. He correctly pointed out that the Prius does have a lead acid battery but assumed incorrectly that it started the engine! Nope, that 12 volt battery just runs the accessories and control circuits, the main NiMH battery provides the power to start the engine.
Another "analysis" assumes that shortages of Lathanium and Neodymium will cause problems for hybrids and EVs, based on the use of Lathanium for NiMH batteries and Neodymium for permenent magnets used in some electric motors. He does recognize that LiIon batteries don't need Lathanium but he considers them "inferior". He is blithely unaware that the AC induction motors used by Tesla Motors and GM do not contain permenent magnets thus won't require Neodymium.
The parade of errors just doesn't stop. Makes me wonder if his "analysis" is really just for stock manipulation and getting money from the gullible.
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C 9:39PM (8/21/2009)
Jack is constantly pushing the same barrow. His "Analysis" is biased to the point you would have to assume he is paid by the north american rare earth explorers.
Personally i've stopped reading any of his "analysis" because it's just not worth the lost time.
kballs 9:11PM (8/21/2009)
Analyst in this case means airhead Ford cheerleader. Mr Lifton: "All your base are belong to Ford!" Nothing against Ford's hybrids and upcoming EVs, they look excellent, and also have good competition (good for consumers)... who cares if they design/build their own batteries? Whether they design them in house or not, clearly Bill Ford says they will outsource the manufacturing for the near future.
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why not the LS2LS7? 2:24AM (8/22/2009)
Can someone explain to me why I care about this particular hair split?
I read this site multiple times a day but I must have missed why it matters whether Ford buys or builds their own batteries.
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downtoearth 6:58AM (8/22/2009)
why not the LS2LS7?:
> Can someone explain to me why I care about this particular hair split?
Oh, it's just a "we are smarter" editorial.
In this particular case: "we are smarter than someone that does not know".
Tohe 5:24AM (8/22/2009)
JACK is so OFF. Haha!
Note to Bill Ford: please give us an EV Fiesta (literally).
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