Toyota plans to build a $1.29 billion battery plant in North Carolina
Eventually, the plant will generate power cells for 1.2 million automobiles each year.
Toyota has identified a site for its projected $1.29 billion US battery manufacturing facility. Greensboro-Randolph Megasite, a tract of land in Randolph County, North Carolina, where the plant will be built on Monday. The facility is expected to be completed in 2025 and have four production lines, each of which can produce enough batteries for 200,000 vehicles per year when it is fully operational. For Toyota, the factory will eventually be expanded to create enough power cells for as many as 1.2 million cars each year.
This is part of a $3.4 billion investment the automaker plans to make in the United States to increase its battery manufacturing capacity. When Toyota first announced the $1.29 billion factory, it estimated around 1,750 jobs would be created. The Greensboro-Randolph Megasite was chosen for a number of reasons, according to the firm. For one thing, it’s located in an area where renewable energy is available. Japanese automaker Toyota says it is “dedicated” to using 100% sustainable energy to manufacture batteries at the plant.
When it comes to electrification, the manufacturer has admitted that it needs to diversify its options. Toyota has invested much more in fuel cell technology than any other carmaker. As of now, there is little to show for its efforts. Its Mirai fuel-cell vehicle is only available in California. However, the company’s latest ambition is to provide 70 distinct electric models, including 15 battery electric vehicles, by 2025.
