Toyota Opens $13.9B North Carolina Battery Plant, Adds $10B to U.S. Investment Plan
LIBERTY, N.C. — Toyota has officially launched production at its new $13.9 billion battery manufacturing plant in North Carolina, a major expansion of the automaker’s U.S. manufacturing operations and a cornerstone of its electrification strategy. Alongside the plant’s opening, Toyota announced an additional $10 billion investment in its U.S. operations over the next five years, bringing its total investment in the country to nearly $60 billion since it began operating in the U.S. nearly 70 years ago. The 1,850-acre facility in Liberty is Toyota’s first battery manufacturing plant outside Japan. Once fully operational, it will produce up to 30 gigawatt-hours of lithium-ion batteries annually, supplying the company’s lineup of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric vehicles. “Today’s launch of Toyota’s first U.S. battery plant and our expanded investment represent a pivotal moment in our company’s history,” said Ted Ogawa, CEO of Toyota Motor North America. “This facility underscores Toyota’s long-term commitment to U.S. manufacturing, innovation, and the communities where we operate.” The plant is expected to create up to 5,100 new jobs and features 14 production lines that will build batteries for the Camry HEV, Corolla Cross HEV, RAV4 HEV, and Toyota’s first U.S.-built all-electric three-row SUV. Additional production capacity is planned by 2030 as demand for electrified vehicles continues to rise. In addition to manufacturing, the site will include a range of amenities designed to support workers, including childcare services, a medical clinic, pharmacy, and fitness center. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy praised the investment, calling it a sign of confidence in American manufacturing. “Under President Donald Trump’s leadership, America is open for business,” Duffy said in a statement. “Toyota’s expansion will create thousands of good-paying jobs and inject billions into the U.S. economy.” Toyota’s North Carolina facility is part of the company’s broader strategy to expand electric and hybrid production capacity worldwide, reflecting growing consumer demand and tightening global emissions standards.
Toyota’s Solid-State Breakthrough: EV Batteries Built to Last 40 Years
Toyota is gearing up to transform the electric vehicle industry with next-generation solid-state batteries (SSBs) that promise an unprecedented 40-year lifespan and extended driving ranges beyond 621 miles (1,000 km). The automaker plans to bring these advanced batteries to market by 2027–2028, marking a pivotal shift in sustainable EV technology. Quadruple the Lifespan, Smaller Footprint Recent reports suggest Toyota’s SSBs could maintain up to 90% capacity after 40 years, compared to roughly 10 years for today’s lithium-ion batteries. This extraordinary durability means one solid-state unit could replace four conventional batteries over its lifetime—dramatically cutting production emissions and waste. The new design swaps flammable liquid electrolytes for solid materials, enhancing safety, energy density, and charging speed. The result: smaller, lighter battery packs that deliver longer range and faster charging with reduced overheating risks. From Premium to Mainstream Toyota executives say early versions will appear first in premium models such as the Lexus or Century before scaling down to high-volume vehicles like the next-generation Corolla. While initial costs are expected to be high, Toyota anticipates prices will fall as production scales and supply chains mature. With their extended lifespan, solid-state batteries could outlast the vehicles they power, enabling battery-swapping or reuse across multiple cars—potentially two or three times—making the upfront investment more sustainable over time. Strategic Partnerships Driving Innovation Toyota’s progress stems from a deep partnership with Sumitomo Metal Mining, focused on developing robust cathode materials that withstand repeated charge cycles. Leveraging Sumitomo’s advanced powder synthesis technology, the pair has created a high-durability cathode ready for mass production as early as Japan’s 2028 fiscal year. This collaboration aligns with Japan’s broader push to secure a domestic EV battery supply chain, reducing reliance on imports from China and South Korea. Backed by government support, Japanese automakers and suppliers are investing over $7 billion (1 trillion yen) in local battery manufacturing capacity. In parallel, Toyota is working with Idemitsu Kosan, a major oil refiner, to produce lithium sulfide, a key material for SSBs. Idemitsu is building a large-scale facility capable of generating 1,000 metric tons annually, targeting mass production by 2027. Challenges Ahead, Momentum Building Despite significant progress, experts note that mass adoption of solid-state batteries will take time, citing supply constraints, complex manufacturing, and high costs. Still, Toyota’s advances indicate real momentum toward commercial viability, positioning the company at the forefront of next-generation EV power solutions. As the global race for battery innovation intensifies, Toyota’s 40-year solid-state technology could redefine what durability, efficiency, and sustainability mean in the electric era.
Toyota Targets 2028 for Solid-State Battery EV Launch
Automaker says next-gen batteries are “on schedule” and could redefine electric performance Toyota has reaffirmed its commitment to bringing solid-state batteries (SSBs) to market by 2028 — and possibly as soon as 2027 — as development of the next-generation battery chemistry stays “on schedule,” according to Keiji Kaita, President of Toyota’s Carbon Neutral Advanced Engineering Development Centre. Why Solid-State Matters Traditional lithium-ion packs are heavy, space-consuming, and slow to recharge. Solid-state cells promise to change that equation. By replacing the liquid electrolyte with a solid one, SSBs can deliver higher energy density, faster charging, improved safety, and reduced degradation over time. Kaita told reporters at the Japan Mobility Show that Toyota’s upcoming SSBs will emphasize “high power, compact size, long range and long life.” The company expects to continue using lithium-based chemistry but with far greater efficiency and longevity. Lower Carbon Footprint, Longer Life While acknowledging the environmental challenges of battery production, Kaita said the company’s approach focuses on durability as a sustainability strategy: “The most important thing is to create a high-quality battery with a long life,” he explained. “Compared to traditional batteries, the SSB’s lifespan may be four times longer. So the production carbon footprint is a quarter relatively [to a lithium-ion battery], and we think SSBs have that potential.” What Will Be First to Get SSB Tech? Toyota hasn’t yet confirmed which vehicle will debut the technology. Early speculation suggests the launch model could come from Lexus — potentially the Electrified Sport Concept or the upcoming Century luxury line — to showcase the performance and efficiency benefits of solid-state chemistry. “It needs to be a model which can leverage those qualities: high power, compact size, long range and long life,” said Kaita. “We leave it up to your imagination.” However, Toyota could also pursue scale early by deploying SSBs across its high-volume platforms, such as the next-generation Corolla, Prius, or RAV4. Doing so could deliver a decisive advantage in range, charging time, and manufacturing efficiency versus competitors. Industry-Wide Race to Commercialize Toyota is far from alone in the SSB race. Mercedes-Benz has begun public-road testing of solid-state-equipped EQS prototypes, and Croatian hypercar maker Rimac continues to invest heavily in the field. The technology has become the focus of what many are calling the most significant propulsion breakthrough since the turbocharger. Whether Toyota’s 2028 goal materializes remains to be seen, but if the company delivers on its promise, solid-state batteries could redefine both the premium and mass-market EV landscape — bringing lighter, safer, and faster-charging vehicles within reach. Source:Based on reporting by Ollie Kew for Top Gear (31 Oct 2025)
