By Chris Wack


Toyota Motor North America said Thursday that it will invest nearly $50 million to construct a new laboratory facility at its North American R&D headquarters in York Township, Mich.

The company said the new lab will evaluate batteries for electric and electrified vehicles in North America.

As part of its evaluation process, the battery lab will ensure that Toyota's batteries meet North American customer requirements by confirming their performance, quality and durability. Other lab activities are expected to include evaluations using Level 2 and Level 3 charging, as well as connectivity to power sources and infrastructure.

Operations at the new battery lab are expected to begin in 2025.

The new facility will be included in Toyota's enrollment in DTE Energy's MIGreenPower program. This voluntary renewable energy program enables all of Toyota's Research and Development operations in Michigan to attribute 100% of its electricity use to renewable energy projects starting in 2026.

By 2025, the company plans to have an electrified option available for every Toyota and Lexus model globally. Toyota plans to invest more than $70 billion globally in vehicle electrification by 2030.


Write to Chris Wack at chris.wack@wsj.com


(END) Dow Jones Newswires

06-08-23 1138ET