Ford is expanding its global battery research and development footprint for electrified vehicles this year, adding research and engineering capabilities in Europe and Asia to take advantage of new market opportunities.

The expanded engineering capabilities enabled by the Ford Engineering Laboratory will allow the team to control a network of world class facilities in China, England, Germany, and the U.S. Through this network, the EPE team will take advantage of globally connected technologies to develop light, durable EV batteries.

The global expansion will also allow Ford’s Electrified Powertrain Engineering teams to share common technologies and test batteries virtually, in real time, to accelerate the development of new technology while reducing the need for costly prototypes.