Toyota Motor North America has revealed its plans to invest about $50m to build a new automotive battery laboratory facility in Michigan, US.
The new facility will be engaged in evaluating batteries for electric and electrified vehicles (EVs) as well as supporting the development of EV batteries in North America.
To be constructed at Toyota Motor’s North American research and development (R&D) headquarters in York Township, the automotive battery lab is expected to commence operations in 2025.
By verifying the performance, quality, and durability of automotive batteries made by Toyota Motor, the new Michigan battery lab will ensure that the company’s batteries fulfil North American customer needs, said the automotive company.
Besides, the automotive battery lab is expected to support Toyota Motor’s manufacturing at plants in North Carolina and Kentucky.
Toyota Motor North America research and development executive vice president Shinichi Yasui said: “This new investment in our North American R&D operation, which has been a key pillar of the Michigan automotive industry for more than 50 years, shows Toyota’s directional shift towards electrification for all.
“By adding these critical evaluation capabilities around automotive batteries, our team is positioned to better serve the needs of our customers, including Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina and Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky, the latter of which will soon be assembling the recently announced all-new, three-row, battery electric SUV.”
To contribute to the company’s multi-pathway strategy of minimising carbon emissions, it will also collaborate with other North American partner suppliers to incorporate locally-produced battery parts and materials.
Toyota Motor aims to lower emissions through its portfolio of hybrid, fuel cell, plug-in hybrid, and battery electric product offerings.
The new automotive battery lab in Michigan is also expected to include lab activities such as evaluations using Level 2 and Level 3 charging and connectivity to power sources and infrastructure.
