Toyota Unveils Its New Battery Center to Accelerate Electrification in North America

Toyota Opens New Battery Center in North America

On October 1, 2026, Toyota took a major step in its electrification efforts with the inauguration of the Toyota Battery Center of North America (TBC) located in Saline, Michigan. This 30,000-square-foot facility will serve as the cornerstone for battery development and evaluation, marking an essential advancement in the company’s more than 50-year relationship with the state.

A Hub for Advanced Battery Technology

The TBC is designed to facilitate comprehensive development processes that span the entire battery lifecycle—from sourcing raw materials through to customer applications and end-of-life recycling. The facility enhances Toyota's capabilities in assessing, developing, and implementing advanced battery technologies that will power the next generation of vehicles including hybrid, plug-in hybrid, hydrogen, and fully electric models.

Keita Moritsu, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of Toyota Motor North America R&D, highlighted that this new center symbolizes the expansion of Toyota’s leadership in battery technology within North America. It is an integral part of the company's multi-pathway strategy, which aims to provide diverse sustainable mobility solutions to its customers.

Supporting Local Manufacturing

The Battery Center will work closely with Toyota’s North American manufacturing network, particularly in conjunction with the Toyota Battery Manufacturing unit in North Carolina. This collaboration is expected to empower engineers and technicians to rapidly detect and address any field issues related to battery performance closer to its source. Jordan Choby, Group Vice President of Powertrain at Toyota, emphasized the importance of this capability, stating that it ensures the development of longer-lasting batteries that are specifically designed to meet the demands faced by American drivers.

A New Era for Michigan

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer expressed her enthusiasm regarding the opening of this state-of-the-art facility, noting that it reinforces Michigan’s leadership in the advanced automotive manufacturing industry. Whitmer remarked, “Today is a big win for Michigan’s leadership in advanced automotive manufacturing.” She acknowledged the significant investment by Toyota, which positions Michigan as a premier location for crafting the future automotive technologies.

With the TBC's operations now underway, Toyota is also eager to collaborate with the University of Michigan Electric Vehicle Center, enhancing its research capabilities in battery technology. This partnership will allow for the training and development of the next generation of battery engineers, furthering Toyota’s dedication to the future of electrification in the automotive industry.

Continuing the Legacy

Toyota remains committed to transforming the automotive landscape. With over 50 years of experience in R&D in North America, it has been at the forefront of engineering and technology development for some of the most popular vehicles on U.S. roads today. The experience garnered from the new Battery Center will be leveraged to create innovative solutions aimed at mobility challenges, ensuring a safer, easier, and more enjoyable experience for users.

The establishment of the Toyota Battery Center of North America is not just a milestone for the company; it signals a new chapter in the journey toward sustainable driving and technology development. Toyota aims to lead the charge in the electrification revolution, making forward strides that will benefit users and the environment alike.