In an effort to advance its commitment to vehicle electrification and building where it sells, Toyota is assembling an all-new three-row battery electric SUV at Toyota Kentucky beginning in 2025.
The company’s first U.S.-assembled BEV will be powered by batteries from Toyota North Carolina. The new battery plant, currently under construction, will receive an additional $2.1 billion investment to support the company’s drive toward carbon neutrality.
President and CEO of Toyota North America, Ted Ogawa, expressed, “We are committed to decreasing carbon emissions as feasible and quickly as possible,” adding, “It’s wonderful to witness Toyota Kentucky, our largest U.S. plant, and Toyota North Carolina, our newest facility, lead us into the future by producing BEVs and batteries for our growing electrified lineup.”
Toyota Kentucky
On June 1, Toyota announced how its Kentucky facility would lead the automaker’s vehicle carbon reduction efforts. The decision to assemble a BEV in the U.S. demonstrates the automaker’s belief in EVs and its commitment to designing, engineering, and producing vehicles for the market.
Andy Beshear, the governor of Kentucky, noted that Toyota “has long been an essential part of the automotive industry in the Commonwealth, and the company is now positioned to help lead us into the future.” He adds, “I want to express my gratitude to Toyota’s executives for their dedication to the outstanding workforce in Kentucky and look forward to what lies ahead for both.”
Toyota North Carolina
Toyota’s investments in the North Carolina battery manufacturing plant will be the hub for developing and producing lithium-ion batteries needed for expanding its portfolio of EVs. Production will begin in 2025 with six battery production lines: four hybrid EVs and two for BEVs.
According to North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, “Toyota’s large investment in our state is fantastic news and more proof that North Carolina is a leader in the clean energy economy. Toyota believes our world-class workforce will power its future success, and I appreciate the enormous commitment here.”.
EV Leader
Over the last two years, the business has invested over $8 billion in its U.S. manufacturing facilities to support its product electrification ambitions: with 22 available in the U.S. under the Toyota and Lexus brands. In addition, by 2025, it plans to make an electrified option available for every Toyota and Lexus model worldwide.