Toyota Motor North America has begun production at its new US battery plant in Liberty, North Carolina.
Valued at nearly $14 billion, the site is Toyota’s first battery plant outside Japan. The project will create up to 5,100 jobs and marks a significant step in Toyota’s electrification strategy.
“Today’s launch of Toyota’s first US battery plant and additional US investment up to $10 billion marks a pivotal moment in our company’s history,” said Ted Ogawa, president and chief executive officer, Toyota Motor North America (TMNA). “Toyota is a pioneer in electrified vehicles, and the company’s significant manufacturing investment in the US and North Carolina further solidifies our commitment to team members, customers, dealers, communities, and suppliers.”
The 1,850-acre US battery plant will produce 30GWh annually at full capacity, with 14 battery production lines supporting hybrid, battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Batteries assembled in North Carolina will power models including the Camry HEV, Corolla Cross HEV, RAV4 HEV and a forthcoming three-row BEV.
Toyota has pledged an additional $10 billion investment in the US over five years, bringing its total to nearly $60 billion. Alongside manufacturing, the company is supporting education through its Driving Possibilities STEM initiative, with $2.7 million in grants to local schools.
“This incredible gift will provide our students and their families with life-changing opportunities,” said Wendy Poteat, president and CEO of shift_ed, a non-profit regional organisation connecting education to workforce development.
