Toyota’s new Battery Center of North America in Saline, Michigan, now handles every stage of electric vehicle battery development, from raw materials to recycling. The facility, opened on October 1, supports Toyota’s push into hybrids, plug-in hybrids, hydrogen vehicles, and fully electric models by testing cells, modules, and packs under real-world conditions.
The center evaluates battery performance across chemistries, including solid-state cells, and connects research to production lines in North Carolina and the automaker’s North American manufacturing plants. It also includes specialized equipment like torsion and shaker tables to simulate road vibrations, as well as a containment room for safety testing.
Located at the company’s North American R&D Headquarters, the facility reinforces Michigan as a hub for automotive innovation.
The state has hosted the automaker’s research and development operations for over 50 years, making it a logical choice for the battery center. The investment aligns with the automaker’s broader strategy to accelerate electrification while maintaining ties to local suppliers and academic partners, such as the University of Michigan Electric Vehicle Center.
Nearby, LG Energy Solution has begun producing high-energy nickel-manganese-cobalt cells in Lansing for the automaker’s upcoming Highlander EV. Meanwhile, the company is expanding its North Carolina battery plant, a $14 billion facility, to supply hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and fully electric vehicles across the U.S. The center’s focus on rapid issue resolution and localized development aims to improve battery durability for American drivers.
The automaker’s approach avoids favoring a single battery type, instead testing multiple chemistries to meet the demands of different vehicle platforms. The facility’s integration with existing production and research networks ensures that advancements in battery technology can be quickly scaled and deployed.
For drivers, this means faster improvements in battery life and reliability, particularly in extreme conditions. The company’s decision to centralize testing in Michigan also strengthens the region’s role in the shift toward electrification, reinforcing its position as a key player in automotive innovation.
The center’s $50 million investment follows the automaker’s earlier $1 billion commitment to expand hybrid production in the U.S. By consolidating battery development under one roof, the center reduces delays in addressing field issues and accelerates the rollout of next-generation energy storage solutions.