Toyota Announces 1st Battery Electric Three-row SUV - Surprises Everyone

Big things are happening for Toyota in the United States, and it might be just what you want to hear.

If you like hybrids and battery electric vehicles – and new SUVs, that is.

Toyota North Carolina

Toyota recently announced an additional $2.1 billion-dollar investment in its newest production plant – Toyota North Carolina. This is Toyota’s United States-based battery plant. The current plan is to run six battery lines, including four hybrid electric vehicle and two battery electric vehicle lines.

Total investment in the new North Carolina-based plant is $5.9 billion dollars.

The battery plant is expected to begin production in 2025. This is extremely cool for me, as I live just over an hour away from the new facility. I hope I am allowed to visit when it begins production in 2025.

But this might not be the most exciting part of the news.

New SUV, anyone?

Toyota Kentucky

Some of the batteries manufactured at Toyota North Carolina will be used in the production of Toyota’s first-ever three-row battery electric SUV.

In Kentucky.

Toyota’s largest United States plant is located in Georgetown, Kentucky. I have taken a private tour there in the past, and to say it really is as large as a city might even be an understatement. This is where many popular Toyota and Lexus vehicles are built – including the iconic Toyota Camry.

Beginning in 2025, look for this site to produce a new battery electric vehicle (BEV) – a three-row SUV.

No more specific details were mentioned about this vehicle, but I will bring you more information as it comes in via my “ToyotaJeff Reviews” YouTube channel and at TorqueNews.com/Toyota.

A Growing SUV Market

2024 Toyota Grand Highlander

Battery electric SUVs with three rows is a growing segment that many car companies are looking to develop and grow in.

Two of the latest vehicles to jump into this class are Hyundai IONIQ 7 and Kia EV9.

No word was given about the size of this new Toyota SUV. I am not sure if it will be larger like Sequoia or Grand Highlander, or if it will encompass more of a midsize feel like Highlander.

But either way, I am excited for this announcement – it is electrifying, to say the least (see what I did there?).

Time for Your Battery Electric Comments

Are you at the point yet where you are interested in a fully electric vehicle? Do you own one currently and how do you like it? Would an electric SUV with three rows of seats match what you are looking for?

Thanks for reading everyone. See you next story.

Read More: What to expect with 2024 Tundra

Jeff Teague - I have been involved in the auto industry for nearly years. I enjoy learning and sharing the most up-to-date news and information. My other talent is creating informative and entertaining automotive videos. I’ve been building and growing my Toyota YouTube channel “Toyotajeff” for the last 5 years. I take pride in delivering informative automotive news, how-to information, and reviews. My background serves me well with my writing. I hope you enjoy the news I bring you. Follow me on Youtube, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and send me news tips please.