Thought of as being behind the EV curve in recent years, Toyota’s looking to make up for lost time by producing an all-new battery-electric sport-utility at its massive Georgetown, Kentucky plant starting in 2025.
Toyota also plans to invest an additional $2.1 billion in its North Carolina battery production facility, which is also expected to be up and running by 2025. The new influx of cash pushes the total investment in the plant and other facilities in Liberty, North Carolina, which was announced last year, to $5.9 billion.
It will have six battery production lines, four for hybrid vehicles and two for electric vehicles, however, no details about the new SUV were released — other than it was a three-row ute.
Making change
Officials said the new plant and three-row electric ute are aimed to help the company meet its carbon reduction efforts.
“We are committed to reducing carbon emissions as much as possible and as soon as possible,” said Ted Ogawa, president and chief executive officer, Toyota Motor North America. “To achieve this goal, customers must have access to a portfolio of options that meet their needs now and in the future.
“It is exciting to see our largest U.S. plant, Toyota Kentucky, and our newest plant, Toyota North Carolina, drive us into the future together with BEV and battery production for our expanding electrified line-up.”