Toyota revealed on Monday that it would put in $3.4 billion in batteries for cars across the United States, including nearly $1.3 billion for an unnamed battery factory that will employ 1,750 new employees.
This new manufacturing process, set to start in 2025, will enable the automaker to create lithium batteries for future hybrid versions of its U.S.-built automobiles.
“Toyota’s commitment to electrification is about achieving long-term sustainability for the environment, American jobs, and consumers,” Ted Ogawa, chief executive officer of Toyota Motor North America, stated in an announcement Monday.
“This investment will help usher in more affordable electrified vehicles for U.S. consumers, significantly reduce carbon emissions, and importantly, create even more American jobs tied to the future of mobility,” said the president.
In 2030, Toyota plans to launch two million zero-emission vehicles globally. According to Toyota’s announcement, between 1.5 million and 1.8 million are anticipated within the United States.
In a separate press release, the automaker also announced the new expansion plans for the 2022 Tundra at its Huntsville, Alabama, manufacturing plant. This new model will be an electric-powered hybrid twin-turbo V6 engine and a gas-powered engine.
“Our team members in Alabama recognize the confidence and trust Toyota places in us since we are the only plant selected to build engines for the all-new Tundra,” Jason Puckett, president of Toyota Alabama, said in a release.
“Launching the brand new twin-turbo V6 line and celebrating our 20th anniversary reminds us how fortunate we are to have a team of such talented members that have made Toyota Alabama known as “the engine capital of the world.'” he added.
Toyota is one of the automakers with a solid reputation to announce plans to produce its batteries as the market shifts towards electric automobiles. Chrysler is also planning to construct its battery manufacturing facility in the U.S.
German automaker Volkswagen announced in March that it plans to build six more battery factories worldwide in a rapid transition away from gasoline-powered vehicles.
“Our transformation will be fast, it will be unprecedented,” said VW Group CEO Herbert Diess in an announcement. “The transformation will be bigger than anything the industry has seen in the last century.”
Volkswagen plans to increase its charging station network in its current global initiative.
By Christopher Burroughs
