Toyota is gearing up to commission its first in-house battery manufacturing plant for electrified vehicles (EV) outside Japan, located in North Carolina, US. The plant is scheduled to start production in April 2025 with an investment of nearly $14 billion.
The Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina (TBMNC) facility will cater to the production of batteries for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and battery electric vehicles (BEVs). This marks Toyota’s 11th manufacturing site in the US and is expected to create 5,000 new jobs.
The company’s press statement emphasized its commitment to the local community through job creation and investment, aligning with its “best-in-town” approach. Toyota’s total investment in the US now stands at $49 billion, supporting over 280,000 jobs across the industry.
The TBMNC plant will be led by president Sean Suggs, with Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) holding a 90% equity stake and Toyota Tsusho owning the remaining 10%. The plant is part of Toyota’s strategy to invest and produce locally, meeting the diverse needs of the market.
In addition to the North Carolina plant, Toyota also announced plans to establish a new wholly-owned company in Jinshan District, Shanghai, China. This new entity will focus on the development and production of BEVs and batteries, with production slated to begin in 2027 under the Lexus brand.
The company aims to produce around 100,000 BEVs annually at the Shanghai facility. Furthermore, Toyota will collaborate with the Shanghai municipal government to support China’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2060, focusing on areas such as hydrogen energy, automated driving, and battery recycling.
Overall, Toyota’s expansion into the US and China underscores its commitment to sustainable mobility and local economic development. The company’s investment in battery manufacturing reflects its dedication to advancing the electrification of vehicles and contributing to a cleaner, greener future.
