Toyota Opens $50 Million Battery Center in Michigan

Toyota opened the Toyota Battery Center of North America in Saline, Michigan, on Thursday. The $50 million, 30,000-square-foot facility serves as the company's primary North American hub for evaluating and developing battery technology for hybrid, plug-in hybrid, hydrogen, and fully electric vehicles.

The center manages the full development cycle, from raw materials sourcing to recycling. It is designed to support Toyota's broader manufacturing network, including a $14 billion battery production facility located in North Carolina. To foster regional innovation, the company is providing research access to the University of Michigan Electric Vehicle Center.

Company executives and local officials highlighted the facility's role in maintaining automotive leadership. Keita Moritsu, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Toyota Motor North America R&D, described the center as the next chapter of the company's battery leadership. Jordan Choby, Group Vice President of Powertrain, noted that the facility allows engineers to resolve field concerns faster and develop batteries tailored to the conditions American drivers face.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell stated the investment supports American manufacturing and ensures that automotive innovation continues within Michigan.