Toyota Announces Plans to Invest $1.3bn in Kentucky Plant to Build EVs

Toyota has announced a $1.3 billion investment at its flagship Kentucky facility for future electrification efforts including assembly of an all-new, three row battery electric SUV for the US market. The project brings the plant’s total investment to nearly $10 billion.

The investment supports the previously announced future BEV assembly at Toyota Kentucky.

It also adds a battery pack assembly line to the facility, with batteries being supplied by Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina.

By 2025, Toyota’s North Carolina plant will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for EVs. 

Toyota Kentucky has been a hub of the automaker’s North American operations since 1986.

Since 2021, Toyota has announced new investments totaling $17 billion into its US manufacturing operations to support electrification efforts.

Kerry Creech, president of Toyota Kentucky, says: “Today’s announcement reflects our commitment to vehicle electrification and further reinvesting in our U.S. operations. Generations of our team members helped prepare for this opportunity, and we will continue leading the charge into the future by remaining true to who we are as a company and putting our people first for generations to come.”

“Every investment Toyota makes is proof of its commitment to employees,” adds Chris Cohelia, group leader at Toyota Kentucky. “I joined this company 26 years ago as a production team member. Job stability, competitive pay and opportunities for growth are all reasons I love working here. It’s also exciting to be a part of the team building Toyota’s first battery electric vehicle in North America.”

Toyota currently offers 27 electrified models.