Toyota has announced its plans to build a new three-row battery-electric SUV in Princeton, Indiana, with a corresponding $1.4 billion investment in the plant. This announcement comes on the heels of a recent $1.3 billion investment in the automaker’s Kentucky plant to build a separate three-row battery-electric SUV starting in 2025. With these developments, Toyota is set to have two different three-row electric SUV models in its lineup.
## Toyota’s Electric SUV Lineup Expansion
Reports suggest that one of the upcoming EVs could be a fully electric Toyota Highlander EV, possibly with a Lexus TZ sibling. Additionally, another report indicates that the Kentucky plant’s EV due for production in 2025 might be a Toyota bZ5X. Toyota seems to be reevaluating the bZ nomenclature for EVs, raising questions about the differentiation between the Highlander EV and bZ5X in terms of premium features and positioning.
## Toyota’s Advancements in EV Manufacturing
In May 2023, Toyota outlined plans to launch 10 new EVs, covering luxury, compact, and commercial vehicle segments, mainly in the United States and China by 2026. The company stated that these EVs would be built on three different platforms—software, electronic, and body and chassis. Its manufacturing process for EVs is undergoing a comprehensive rethink with an emphasis on innovation and advancement.
## Impact of the Indiana EV Announcement
The decision to produce the new three-row electric SUV in Indiana will bring about 340 new sustainable U.S. jobs and contribute to Toyota’s goal of reaching a 1.5-million-EV baseline by 2026. This move is aligned with the company’s commitment to electrification and sustainable mobility solutions. The addition of a battery pack assembly to the North Carolina facility further bolsters Toyota’s efforts to expand its range of electrified vehicles.
## Toyota’s Manufacturing Portfolio Expansion
The Indiana plant, which currently employs 7,500 workers, manufactures a range of vehicles, including the Toyota Sienna hybrid minivan, Highlander, and Grand Highlander SUVs, as well as the Lexus TX in various configurations. The plant’s expansion to include production of a new battery-electric SUV underscores Toyota’s dedication to offering a diverse lineup of electrified vehicles to cater to evolving consumer preferences.
## Conclusion
Toyota’s decision to invest in the production of a new three-row battery-electric SUV in Princeton, Indiana, represents a significant step towards expanding its electric vehicle portfolio and manufacturing capabilities. By adding new sustainable jobs and enhancing its presence in the electrified vehicle segment, Toyota is reaffirming its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and meeting the evolving needs of consumers. With a diverse range of EVs in the pipeline and a focus on advanced manufacturing processes, Toyota is poised to make a significant impact in the electric vehicle market in the coming years.