Where in North Carolina Is Toyota Building Its New Battery Plant?
Toyota is constructing a $13.6 billion battery plant in Liberty, Randolph County, North Carolina. The facility, named Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina (TBMNC), will produce batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles. It aims to create 5,100 jobs and support Toyota’s shift toward sustainable mobility. Production is slated to begin in 2025.
How Did Randolph County, NC, Become Toyota’s Chosen Location?
Randolph County was selected due to its strategic proximity to major highways, skilled workforce, and state incentives. North Carolina offered $435 million in tax breaks and infrastructure upgrades. The region’s existing automotive supply chain and renewable energy initiatives also aligned with Toyota’s sustainability goals.
What Economic Impact Will the Toyota Battery Plant Have?
The plant is projected to generate 5,100 direct jobs and thousands more in supporting industries. Randolph County anticipates $7.3 billion in economic growth over 20 years. Local businesses, including suppliers and service providers, will benefit from increased demand, while the state gains a foothold in the competitive EV manufacturing sector.
Beyond direct employment, the plant will create ripple effects across multiple sectors. Construction alone requires 2,000 temporary workers, with contracts prioritizing local firms. A study by North Carolina State University estimates every Toyota job will support 2.3 additional positions in retail, healthcare, and hospitality. The county plans to reinvest tax revenues into road improvements and broadband expansion, addressing infrastructure gaps that have historically limited economic development.
| Year | Projected Jobs | Investment |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1,200 | $4.1B |
| 2030 | 3,800 | $9.7B |
| 2040 | 5,100 | $13.6B |
What Sustainability Measures Is Toyota Implementing?
The plant will use 100% renewable energy, sourced from solar and wind projects. Toyota plans to recycle 95% of battery materials and achieve zero landfill waste. Water conservation systems and energy-efficient manufacturing processes will minimize environmental impact, aligning with Toyota’s global carbon-neutrality targets.
Advanced closed-loop water systems will reduce consumption by 40% compared to traditional plants, with rainwater harvesting meeting 30% of non-process water needs. The facility will feature onsite solar farms generating 18 megawatts, supplemented by power purchase agreements with two regional wind farms. Battery recycling partnerships with Redwood Materials will recover lithium, cobalt, and nickel through hydrometallurgical processes that are 60% more energy-efficient than mining virgin materials.
| Metric | Target | Industry Average |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Use | 100% Renewable | 35% Renewable |
| Material Recovery | 95% | 53% |
| Water Reuse | 75% | 22% |
“Toyota’s investment in North Carolina is a game-changer for the EV industry. By localizing battery production, they’re mitigating supply chain risks and accelerating innovation. The focus on renewables and workforce development sets a benchmark for sustainable manufacturing.” — Automotive Industry Analyst
FAQs
- When will the Toyota battery plant open?
- Production is expected to begin in 2025, with full operational capacity reached by 2030.
- Will the plant produce batteries for other automakers?
- Initially, the facility will supply Toyota’s EVs and hybrids, though partnerships with other brands are under evaluation.
- How can local businesses collaborate with the plant?
- Toyota is hosting supplier summits in 2025 to connect with regional vendors for components like raw materials and machinery parts.