Massive car battery plant to be built – but US location still secret

Toyota has announced it will invest $3.4 billion in battery development and production in the USA for automotive batteries in the United States through 2030.

According to the Japanese company, specifically, the investment is for developing and localising automotive battery production, including those for battery electric vehicles, and is part of the global total of approx. $13.5 billion set aside for investment in battery development and production announced last month by Toyota Motor Corporation.

To drive battery production localization, Toyota Motor North America also announced today that it will establish a new company and build an automotive battery plant together with Toyota Tsusho in the US.

Aiming to start production in 2025, the project includes an investment of approximately $1.29 billion until 2031, which includes funds that will be used to develop land and build facilities, resulting in the creation of 1,750 new American jobs.

“Toyota’s commitment to electrification is about achieving long-term sustainability for the environment, American jobs and consumers,” said Ted Ogawa, Chief Executive Officer, Toyota Motor North America. “This investment will help usher in more affordable electrified vehicles for US consumers, significantly reduce carbon emissions, and importantly, create even more American jobs tied to the future of mobility.”

Part of the new company’s activities will include helping Toyota to further develop and expand its local supply chain and production knowledge related to Lithium-ion automotive batteries. The venture will first focus on producing batteries for hybrid electric vehicles. Additionally, the move is expected to help further the company’s goals to create a net positive impact on the planet and society, including advancing its efforts towards carbon neutrality in a sustainable and practical way.

Further details of the project, including details on a site, production capacity, business structure, etc. will be shared at a future time.

ARTICLES
Build

Australia’s race to net zero

Bushfire Season is a natural part of the Australian annual cycle. Although a misnomer – the drier months fall at different parts of the year

Build

Offshore Wind: Becoming a World Leader

It was the year 2000. The Y2K bug, which was predicted to create a software meltdown and bring global economies to a standstill, led to nothing more than a few minor temporary IT issues. JK Rowling’s fourth Harry Potter book “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” became the fastest selling novel of all time; a 24 year old Tiger Woods becomes the youngest ever golfer to win four grand slams; and American and Russian astronauts became the first ever inhabitants of the International Space Station.

EPISODES