Ford Motor Company has appointed former Engie North America chief executive Dave Carroll as president of its battery energy storage subsidiary Ford Energy.
Carroll will take up the position on 31 August and oversee battery-cell manufacturing, system assembly, commercial strategy and sales. He will report to Ford vice-chair John Lawler.
He succeeds Lisa Drake, Ford Energy’s inaugural president, who will retire at the end of 2026 following 32 years with the vehicle manufacturer. Drake will work with Carroll during the transition, including on manufacturing operations, customer commitments and supplier relationships.
Carroll served as chief executive officer and chief renewables officer at Engie North America. During his six years with the company, its operating portfolio of renewable-energy assets grew more than twelvefold.
He previously held senior positions at EDF Renewables and Avangrid Renewables and recently chaired the American Clean Power Association’s board of directors.
Carroll brings “a rare, buy-side perspective”
Ford president and chief executive Jim Farley said Carroll brought experience of developing, buying and operating energy infrastructure.
He said: “Dave brings a rare, buy-side perspective on what utilities and other customers truly require as they build out power infrastructure – exactly the skill set and insight Ford Energy needs as we move from launch to scale.
“Ford Energy combines world-class US manufacturing, advanced battery technology and an American brand people trust. Under Dave’s leadership, we will scale this business into one of North America’s leading energy storage providers.”
Carroll said: “I’ve spent my career developing, financing and operating energy assets, and I’m excited to join Ford because there’s no bigger opportunity in this market than building a category-defining energy business for one of America’s most iconic and important companies.”
Ford established Ford Energy as part of its plan to repurpose electric-vehicle battery manufacturing capacity for stationary storage. The wholly owned subsidiary intends to manufacture lithium iron phosphate cells, modules and containerised DC battery systems for utilities, data centres and commercial and industrial customers.
The company is investing approximately $2 billion in the business and aims to deploy at least 20 GWh of storage annually, with initial customer deliveries planned for late 2027.
Ford Energy has already signed a five-year supply agreement allowing EDF to purchase up to 4 GWh of its battery storage systems annually from 2028.
Photo: Dave Carroll of Ford Energy Credit: Ford Motor Company
