Toyota is set to construct a new battery plant for electric vehicles in Fukuoka, located in the southwestern prefecture, as reported by the Nikkei business daily on Friday. This new facility aims to supply batteries to the factory producing luxury Lexus brand cars, marking a significant step in Toyota’s strategy for electric vehicle (EV) expansion.
Toyota, the world’s leading automaker, envisions Kyushu, the island where Fukuoka is situated, becoming a pivotal hub in its battery-powered vehicle supply chain and a key export base for the Asian market. While a Toyota spokesperson acknowledged the report, they noted that the company had not officially announced these plans. Nonetheless, Toyota has been proactive in enhancing its EV battery production capabilities.
Also, don’t forget that you can get discounted new car pricing with a free quote through qualified local dealer partners.
Lexus vehicles are manufactured at the Miyata plant, operated by Toyota Motor Kyushu, a subsidiary of Toyota. In line with its ambitious EV goals, Toyota has previously announced plans to launch EVs with next-generation batteries globally starting in 2026. These new models will be produced by its dedicated EV unit, BEV Factory.
Toyota aims to achieve annual sales of 3.5 million EVs by 2030, with nearly half of these vehicles produced by the BEV Factory unit. In 2023, the automaker sold 104,000 EVs, indicating a substantial leap needed to meet its future targets.
Details regarding the investment amount for the battery plant and the construction start date are still under wraps. According to Nikkei, the plant’s operations will be managed by Primearth EV Energy, another Toyota subsidiary specializing in batteries for hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and fully battery-powered vehicles.
With this strategic move, Toyota continues to solidify its commitment to the EV market, aligning with global trends towards sustainable and eco-friendly transportation solutions. This development not only reinforces Toyota’s leadership in the automotive industry but also underscores its dedication to innovation and sustainability in the evolving landscape of electric mobility.
Source: Reuters
