Ford Motor’s shares hit a three‑year high after the company unveiled a $2 billion energy‑storage arm, Ford Energy, which will repurpose EV batteries into stationary units for AI data centers, utilities and industry. Investors chased the stock, pushing it up 28 % in two weeks.

While General Motors and Stellantis have slipped, Ford’s rally reflects optimism about the AI boom and rising energy demand. Citi analyst Michael Ward noted that Ford’s battery expertise could unlock new markets. The move places Ford in direct competition with Tesla and LG Energy Solution for high‑margin battery contracts.

Ford Energy partners with China’s CATL, the world’s largest battery maker, to source cells for its new platform. Morgan Stanley analysts estimate the subsidiary could be worth up to $10 billion, fueling the stock’s rapid ascent. Analysts see the venture as a true repurposing of excess cell capacity, turning surplus into profit.

The rally illustrates how automakers can pivot beyond vehicles to capture high‑growth tech sectors. Ford’s move may pressure peers to diversify or risk losing investor confidence. With battery supply chains tightening, the company’s new arm could secure a foothold in the lucrative AI infrastructure market. Investors now view Ford as a technology player rather than a traditional maker.