The next chapter of Toyota’s electrification transformation begins today with the opening of the Toyota Battery Center of North America (TBC) in Saline, Michigan. The new facility gives Toyota’s Michigan-based battery teams increased capabilities to evaluate and develop technology across the full battery-development cycle, from sourcing raw materials to customer applications to recycling.
‘Toyota has long been at the forefront of battery development,’ said Keita Moritsu, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Toyota Motor North America R&D. ‘This center is where that leadership expands to North America — and where we’re building its next chapter.’
TBC also represents the latest milestone in Toyota’s more than 50-year history with the state of Michigan.

TBC’s evaluation and development capabilities support Toyota’s multi-pathway strategy by enabling a range of sustainable mobility solutions for customers. 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.
‘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. ‘It also means we can develop longer-lasting batteries designed to perform in the conditions American drivers face every day.’

About TMNA R&D
For more than 50 years, Toyota’s Research & Development groups in North America have participated in engineering projects for several of the best-selling Toyota vehicles on U.S. roads. Teams are now creating both next-generation vehicles and new and advanced mobility concepts that can better move people, goods and information. Centered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Toyota’s North American R&D groups are pursuing Toyota’s mission to ‘Produce Happiness for All’ by making life safer, easier and more enjoyable.
Photo credit: Toyota
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