Advancing its commitment to vehicle electrification and building where it sells, Toyota will assemble an all-new, three-row, battery electric SUV at Toyota Kentucky starting in 2025. The company's first U.S.-assembled BEV will be powered by batteries from Toyota North Carolina.
The new battery plant, which is currently under construction, will receive an additional $2.1 billion investment to support the company's drive toward carbon neutrality.
"We are committed to reducing carbon emissions as much as possible and as soon as possible," said Ted Ogawa, president and chief executive officer, Toyota Motor North America. "To achieve this goal, customers must have access to a portfolio of options that meet their needs now and in the future. It is exciting to see our largest U.S. plant, Toyota Kentucky, and our newest plant, Toyota North Carolina, drive us into the future together with BEV and battery production for our expanding electrified lineup."
North Carolina Brings the Power
Toyota is investing $2.1 billion in its North Carolina battery manufacturing plant for new infrastructure to support future expansion. This brings total investment in Toyota North Carolina to $5.9 billion.
"Toyota's significant investment in our state, now nearly $6 billion, is terrific news and more evidence that North Carolina is a leader in the clean energy economy," said North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper. "Toyota believes in our world-class workforce to power its future success and I appreciate this enormous commitment here."
The facility will be Toyota's hub for developing and producing lithium-ion batteries needed for its expanding portfolio of electrified vehicles. Production at the Liberty plant is slated to begin in 2025 with six battery production lines, four for hybrid electric vehicles and two for BEVs.
"The future is bright at Toyota North Carolina," said Sean Suggs, president, Toyota Battery Manufacturing, North Carolina. "With this proactive infrastructure investment, we will be able to quickly support future expansion opportunities to meet growing customer need."
The May 31 announcement confirmed Toyota Kentucky will lead the company's vehicle carbon reduction efforts with its first U.S.–assembled BEV, a three-row SUV.
The decision to assemble a BEV in the U.S. demonstrates the company's belief in electric vehicles and its commitment to design, engineer and produce vehicles for the market.
Source: Toyota
Abby Andrews