Ford Aims to Build Batteries in U.S. With Koreaâs SK Innovation May 20 2021, 11:53 AM May 20 2021, 3:25 AM May 20 2021, 11:53 AM (Bloomberg) -- Ford Motor Co. and South Koreaâs SK Innovation Co. are poised to announce Thursday theyâve reached an agreement to jointly build electric-vehicle batteries in the U.S. (Bloomberg) -- Ford Motor Co. and South Koreaâs SK Innovation Co. are poised to announce Thursday theyâve reached an agreement to jointly build electric-vehicle batteries in the U.S. The two companies have reached a memorandum of understanding to pursue a joint venture to manufacture the power sources that are critical to becoming competitive in the emerging EV market, according to people familiar with the deal who asked not to be identified. SK already supplies batteries for Fordâs new electric F-150 Lightning pickup, which was driven this week by President Joe Biden after he toured the Michigan factory where itâs made.