New Development Center Boosts Testing and Evaluation Capabilities on Road to Electrification

SALINE, Mich., Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — 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.” 

The 30,000-square-foot facility serves as a central hub for development and evaluation, in partnership with Toyota’s North American manufacturing network, supporting the evaluation of batteries for Toyota Battery Manufacturing, North Carolina, as well as Toyota’s vehicle manufacturing plants across North America. 

TBC also represents the latest milestone in Toyota’s more than 50-year history with the state of Michigan. 

“Today is a big win for Michigan’s leadership in advanced automotive manufacturing,” said Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “We are proud to welcome this investment by Toyota that positions Michigan as the best place to build the future. This state-of-the-art facility will develop, test, and improve the batteries powering the next generation of vehicles. It joins factories and projects opening across our state that are creating good-paying, high-skilled jobs in every community. Let’s keep working together to build the future of cars, chips, batteries, and so much more right here in 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.” 

Toyota will open the facility and research access with the University of Michigan Electric Vehicle Center, allowing other research partners to benefit from its cutting-edge testing and evaluation capabilities. As a founding member of the Electric Vehicle Center, this program is part of Toyota’s commitment to developing the next generation of battery engineers and technicians in Michigan.

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. 

MEDIA CONTACT
Dan Nied
daniel.nied@toyota.com 

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SOURCE Toyota Motor North America