Toyota Motor Corp. is considering additional battery manufacturing investments in North America, including a potential new factory site, as the automaker prepares to ramp up its electrified vehicle production.
The Japanese carmaker is already constructing a $13.9 billion battery plant in North Carolina, with hybrid battery production set to begin in early 2025. The facility will add electric vehicle battery trial production later that year and plug-in hybrid battery testing in 2026.
Sean Suggs, who heads Toyota’s North Carolina battery operations, said to Nikkei market demand would determine the timing and scale of future investments. The automaker aims to boost its electrified vehicle sales mix in North America from 50% to 80% by 2030, though the U.S. transition to fully electric vehicles has been slower than expected.
The company recently pushed back the launch of its first U.S. EV plant in Kentucky to early 2026. Despite the delay and uncertainty surrounding U.S. presidential election outcomes, Toyota remains committed to localizing its supply chain.
The expansion plans align with Washington’s efforts to reduce dependence on Chinese suppliers through the Inflation Reduction Act, which offers incentives for North American-made EVs and batteries.
