Batteries assembled at Toyota North Carolina will power vehicles such as the Camry HEV, Corolla Cross HEV and RAV4 HEV that are assembled at plants in Georgetown, KY and Greenbrier, AL. Additional production lines at Toyota North Carolina are expected to ramp up by 2030.

“Today’s launch of [our] first U.S. battery plant…marks a pivotal moment in our company’s history,” says Ted Ogawa, president and chief executive officer of Toyota Motor North America. “Toyota is a pioneer in electrified vehicles, and the company’s significant manufacturing investment in the U.S. and North Carolina further solidifies our commitment to team members, customers, dealers, communities and suppliers.”

“We’re excited to see this innovative facility come to life and to provide cutting-edge careers for more than 5,000 North Carolinians,” adds Don Stewart, president of Toyota North Carolina. “Today’s celebration would not be complete without thanking our team members. Their dedication, commitment and resolve have truly led us to this historic moment.”

During the dedication ceremony, Toyota announced that it also plans to invest up to $10 billion in the U.S. over the next five years to support future mobility efforts. And, the automaker is donating $2.7 million to Driving Possibilities in Guilford County Schools and the Asheboro City School District. Driving Possibilities is a national STEM education initiative that brings together community, education leaders, local and national nonprofits, and industry partners to co-create programs that strengthen communities and prepare young people for future careers in manufacturing.