North Carolina is set to host a state-of-the-art Toyota battery plant that will bring in thousands of skilled jobs to the region.
Toyota has now announced it is investing a further $8bn into Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina (TBMNC), taking the total investment to $13.9bn.
Currently under construction in Liberty, North Carolina, the new Toyota battery plant will be the company’s first in North America and will be 100% powered by renewable energy.
The plant, which comes online in 2025, will be pivotal for Toyota reaching its electrification goals, with the automaker targeting to roll out 30 battery electric vehicle (BEV) models by 2030.
Speaking on the fresh investment, Sean Suggs, president of Toyota North Carolina, said: “Today’s announcement reinforces Toyota’s commitment to electrification and carbon reduction, bringing jobs and future economic growth to the region.
“We are excited to see the continued energy and support of this innovative manufacturing facility.”
Inside Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina
The battery manufacturing plant will support the development of Toyota’s BEVs and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and will include ten BEV/PHEV battery lines.
The seven million square feet facility will also have four battery production lines for Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), with the line being introduced in a phased approach all the way through to 2030.
Once fully operational, the battery plant will produce 30GWh annually, a major boost to the company’s EV drive, with Toyota already getting over 24 million EVs on the road globally.
Creating jobs and boosting the local economy
In addition to supporting Toyota’s EV ambitions, the battery plant will also create around 5,000 skilled jobs, a major boost to the local economy.
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper explained: “Through the last few years of building relationships, including my most recent trip to Tokyo and meeting with President Sato, our partnership with Toyota has become stronger than ever, culminating in this historic announcement.
“North Carolina’s transition to a clean energy economy is bringing better paying jobs that will support our families and communities for decades to come.”
Toyota is also supporting local non-profits and educational initiatives, with donations totalling $200,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Asheboro and Greensboro, Junior Achievement of the Triad, Shift_ed and Volunteer Center of the Triad.
Senator Phil Berger added: “Toyota’s latest expansion in North Carolina is monumental. The additional jobs and increased capital investment are proof that the Triad and our rural communities are prepared to support high-tech manufacturing.
“I’m thankful for Toyota’s dedication to our state, and I look forward to seeing it continue to grow and employ hard-working North Carolinians.”
The company also invested $1m in North Carolina students enrolled with Communities in Schools Randolph County and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.
