Simultaneously, Toyota is investing $2.1 billion in its North Carolina battery manufacturing plant to enhance its infrastructure for future expansion. This brings the total investment in Toyota North Carolina to $5.9 billion. The facility will serve as a hub for developing and producing lithium-ion batteries to meet the growing demand for Toyota’s expanding portfolio of electrified vehicles. Production at the Liberty plant is scheduled to commence in 2025, featuring six battery production lines—four for hybrid electric vehicles and two for BEVs.

North Carolina Governor, Roy Cooper, hailed Toyota’s substantial investment in the state, highlighting North Carolina’s prominence in the clean energy economy. He expressed gratitude for Toyota’s confidence in the state’s workforce and its significant commitment to North Carolina.

Over the past two years, Toyota has invested more than $8 billion in its U.S. manufacturing operations, primarily directed towards supporting its product electrification initiatives. 

The announcement from the world’s largest automaker is noteworthy, as it is regarded as a laggard in the transition to zero emission vehicles (ZEV). The company has also been outspoken in its stance against making a transition across its fleet to electrification.