Toyota has announced a significant increase in its investment in U.S. operations, committing an additional $10 billion to its electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing facility in North Carolina. This move raises the total investment in the Liberty facility to approximately $13.9 billion, reinforcing Toyota’s commitment to expanding its EV portfolio and enhancing its battery production capabilities.
The Liberty plant, initially unveiled in December 2021 with an investment of around $1.3 billion, has evolved into a crucial hub for Toyota’s efforts in the electrification of its vehicle lineup. According to a press release dated November 12, the facility is currently operational at various stages of battery production. Don Stewart, president of Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina, indicated in a recent video update that four hybrid production lines are already active, while a battery electric vehicle (BEV) line is undergoing trials. However, Stewart noted that while batteries are being produced, they are not yet ready for sale.
As part of its production strategy, the Liberty plant focuses on assembling battery modules for hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) models, including the Toyota Camry, Corolla Cross, and RAV4. Notably, it is also working on a first-of-its-kind BEV model to be manufactured in the United States. The company plans to introduce additional production lines by 2030, further solidifying its operations in North Carolina.
Stewart highlighted the facility’s role in Toyota’s broader mobility strategy, which aims to accelerate EV production and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. This strategy includes enhancing the energy density of lithium-ion batteries, aligning with the global shift towards electrification in the automotive industry. “As [the electrification age] continues to ramp up, we’re right to the leading edge of that,” Stewart remarked.
In June 2023, the Liberty plant began shipping HEV modules to Toyota’s manufacturing facility in Georgetown, Kentucky, as well as to its joint venture assembly plant with Mazda Motor Corporation in Huntsville, Alabama. This expansion reflects Toyota’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its manufacturing capabilities in the U.S.
Ted Ogawa, president and CEO of Toyota Motor North America, emphasized the importance of this investment, stating, “Toyota is a pioneer in electrified vehicles, and the company’s significant manufacturing investment in the U.S. and North Carolina further solidifies our commitment to team members, customers, dealers, communities, and suppliers.”
In addition to its manufacturing initiatives, Toyota is also investing in education through its second phase of the STEM education program, Driving Possibilities. The company has issued an additional $2.7 million grant to Guilford County Schools and Asheboro City School District, following an earlier grant of $2 million awarded in April 2023 to Randolph and Guilford counties. These funds come from the Toyota USA Foundation and reflect the company’s commitment to supporting local education and workforce development.
As Toyota continues to expand its footprint in the U.S. electric vehicle market, its North Carolina facility stands as a testament to the company’s strategic focus on innovation and sustainability in the automotive sector.