Toyota opens new battery center as part of ‘electrification transformation’
Toyota has opened a new battery center in Saline, Michigan, calling it “the next chapter of its electrification transformation.”
According to a press release from the automaker, the Toyota Battery Center of North America (TBC) gives Toyota Michigan-based battery teams increased capabilities to evaluate and develop technology across the full battery-development cycle, from sourcing raw materials and customer applications to recycling.
“Toyota has long been at the forefront of battery development,” said Keita Moritsu, Toyota Motor North America R&D senior vice president and chief technology officer, in the release. “This center is where that leadership expands to North America — and where we’re building its next chapter.”
On site, teams of engineers and technicians assess battery performance and develop new technologies for use in hybrid, plug-in hybrid, hydrogen, and fully electric vehicles.
Toyota Battery Center of North America (TBC) cell performance testing area (Provided by Toyota)
Toyota says the 30,000-square-foot facility serves as a central hub for development and evaluation, in partnership with Toyota’s North American manufacturing network, to support battery evaluation for Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina, as well as the OEM’s vehicle manufacturing plants across North America.
“For Toyota customers, this facility means Toyota engineers can detect and resolve field concerns faster and closer to the source,” said Jordan Choby, Group Vice President of Powertrain, in the release. “It also means we can develop longer-lasting batteries designed to perform in the conditions American drivers face every day.”
Toyota Battery Center of North America (TBC) Emerging Tech Room (Provided by Toyota)
Toyota says it will share research access at the facility with the University of Michigan Electric Vehicle Center. As a founding member of the center, Toyota says the program is a part of its commitment to developing the next generation of battery engineers and technicians in Michigan.
In 2025, Toyota began production at Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina, its first battery plant opened outside of Japan. Located in Liberty, the $14 billion facility houses lithium-ion battery production lines for hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric, and battery electric vehicles.
Images
Featured image: Toyota Battery Center of North America (TBC) in Saline, Michigan. (Provided by Toyota)