Lexus Breaks Ground on New Energy Vehicle Manufacturing Plant in Shanghai
Lexus has taken a significant step forward in its electrification strategy within China with the commencement of construction on its new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturing plant in the Jinshan District of Shanghai. The groundbreaking ceremony for the Lexus New Energy Project Base marks a pivotal moment for the luxury brand as it moves towards a more sustainable future.
The state-of-the-art facility, set to be completed by August 2026, will focus on producing new energy vehicles, with production expected to begin in 2027. With an annual production capacity of 100,000 units, the plant aims to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles in the Chinese market.

Leading the project is Lexus (Shanghai) New Energy Co., Ltd., with a registered capital of 107.1 billion Japanese Yen and a sprawling area of 1.13 million square meters. This substantial investment underscores Toyota’s commitment to accelerating its electrification efforts and introducing a range of electric vehicle models tailored for the Chinese and international markets.
The strategic location of the new facility in Shanghai, with its robust industrial infrastructure and talent pool, will enable the development of Lexus brand pure electric vehicles that cater to the preferences of Chinese consumers with “China speed.”
Toyota China’s “RCE system” will play a key role in this initiative, empowering Chinese engineers to lead the development process and integrate local insights and preferences into the design of electric vehicles. This collaborative approach with local partners signifies a shift in Lexus’s electric vehicle lineup towards more tailored offerings for the Chinese market.