Toyota to assemble battery electric vehicles in U.S.
Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Corp. announced that it will assemble an all-new, three-row, battery electric sport utility vehicle (SUV) at Toyota Kentucky starting in 2025. The company’s first U.S.-assembled battery electric vehicle (BEV) will be powered by batteries from Toyota North Carolina. The new battery plant, which is currently under construction, will receive an additional USD2.1 billion investment to support the company’s drive towards 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.”
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.
“Toyota Kentucky set the standard for Toyota vehicle manufacturing in the U.S. and now we’re leading the charge with BEVs,” said Susan Elkington, president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky. “Our incredible team of Kentuckians is excited to take on this new challenge while delivering the same great quality and reliability that our customers expect.”
This announcement confirms that Toyota Kentucky will lead the company’s vehicle carbon reduction efforts with its first U.S.–assembled BEV, a 3-row SUV.
“This is incredible news that furthers Kentucky as the center of the electric vehicle sector,” said Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear. “Toyota has long been a vital part of the automotive industry in the commonwealth, and now the company is positioned to help lead us into the future. I want to thank the company’s leaders for their commitment to our state’s incredible workforce, and I can’t wait to see what’s next for Toyota and Kentucky.”
North Carolina battery manufacturing plant
Toyota is investing USD2.1 billion in its North Carolina battery manufacturing plant for new infrastructure to support future expansion. This brings total investment in Toyota North Carolina to USD5.9 billion.
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 needs.”
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