Toyota Motor Corp will build a new $1.29 billion battery plant for electrified vehicles in North Carolina, the company announced Monday.
The new plant near Greensboro in central North Carolina will have four production lines, each capable of delivering enough lithium-ion batteries for 200,000 vehicles—with the intention to expand to at least six production lines for a combined total of up to 1.2 million vehicles per year.
The new plant, to be named, Toyota Battery Manufacturing, North Carolina (TBMNC), is being partially funded from a previously announced investment of approximately $3.4 billion into electrified vehicles that Toyota made in October, and is expected to create 1,750 new American jobs.
“The future of mobility is electrification and the Greensboro-Randolph Megasite is the ideal location to make that future a reality,” said Ted Ogawa, CEO of Toyota Motor North America. “North Carolina offers the right conditions for this investment, including the infrastructure, high-quality education system, access to a diverse and skilled workforce, and a welcoming environment for doing business. Today marks the beginning of a mutually beneficial partnership with the Tar Heel state as we embark on our journey to achieve carbon neutrality and provide mobility for all.”
“I’m glad that Toyota Battery Manufacturing has chosen to call North Carolina home,” said Governor Cooper. “This investment in our state is a testament to our world class workforce and growing economy. North Carolina is working hard every day toward a clean energy future and projects like this will help us get there.”
In determining the location for the new plant, Toyota was interested in renewable energy availability as well as support from local stakeholders, including governments, utilities, partners, and others. Candidates for the site were narrowed down based on these requirements and Greensboro-Randolph Megasite met and exceeded these needs with:
– An extensive and well-maintained highway system for overland logistics
– Four international airports and two seaports
– Onsite rail
– An outstanding, diverse workforce
– Renewable energy availability
– World-renowned education system
– Strong government partnership at both the state and local levels
In addition, as the company continues its efforts to reach carbon neutrality for its vehicles and operations by 2050, Toyota is committed to using 100% renewable energy at this new facility to produce the batteries.
