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TEXAS, 01 June 2023: Toyota to build US-assembled BEV at Kentucky Plant, supported by North Carolina battery production.
Toyota has announced its commitment to vehicle electrification by assembling an all-new, three-row, battery electric SUV at Toyota Kentucky from 2025. This will mark the company’s first US-assembled BEV, powered by batteries sourced from Toyota North Carolina.
To further bolster its drive toward carbon neutrality, Toyota plans to invest an additional USD 2.1bn in the construction of the new battery plant.
Ted Ogawa, President and CEO of Toyota Motor North America, emphasized the company’s dedication to reducing carbon emissions and providing customers with a range of options that meet their needs. Toyota Kentucky, the largest U.S. plant, and Toyota North Carolina, the newest plant, will join forces to support the company’s electrified lineup and battery production, driving them into the future.
Carbon reduction
Toyota Kentucky will take the lead in the company’s vehicle carbon reduction efforts by assembling the first US-assembled BEV, a 3-row SUV. Susan Elkington, President of Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, expressed excitement about the opportunity to deliver the same quality and reliability while venturing into the realm of BEVs.
The decision to manufacture a BEV in the US showcases Toyota’s belief in electric vehicles and its commitment to designing, engineering, and producing vehicles for the market. Governor Andy Beshear of Kentucky praised Toyota for its commitment to the state’s workforce and the company’s pivotal role in the electric vehicle sector.
Battery manufacturing plant
In North Carolina, Toyota will invest USD 2.1bn in its battery manufacturing plant to support future expansion. The facility will serve as Toyota’s hub for developing and producing lithium-ion batteries for its growing portfolio of electrified vehicles. Scheduled to begin production in 2025, the Liberty plant will have six battery production lines, four for hybrid electric vehicles and two for BEVs.
Toyota’s significant investment in North Carolina reflects the state’s status as a leader in the clean energy economy, according to Governor Roy Cooper. The collaboration between Toyota and North Carolina is a testament to the state’s workforce and its ability to contribute to Toyota’s future success.
Electrified vehicles across globe
Toyota has solidified its position as a clear leader in electrification, with over 23 million electrified vehicles on the road globally. The company currently offers the most extensive range of electrified vehicle options in the US across the Toyota and Lexus brands. By 2025, Toyota aims to have an electrified option available for every Toyota and Lexus model worldwide.
Over the past two years, Toyota has invested over USD 8bn in its US manufacturing operations to support its electrification efforts. The latest developments in Kentucky and North Carolina reinforce Toyota’s commitment to sustainable mobility and its contribution to the advancement of the electric vehicle industry.
