Toyota Has Great News For America

Toyota has taken its time regarding electrification. CEO Akio Toyoda has made his opinion about the technology loud and clear. Hint: he'snot a fan of EVs. This doesn't mean the Japanese automaker is completely ignoringbattery-electric vehicles. The upcomingToyota bZ4Xis proof. It's also investing heavily in plug-in hybrids, believing it's best in the long-term not to put all of its eggs in one technological basket.

Earlier this week, the carmaker announced plans to build a new $1.29 billion battery factory in the US where it already has a major facility. The new production line will build batteries for gas-electric hybrid models and pure electrics. The exact location of the factory wasn't announced but it will employ at least 1,750 people when it gets up and running in 2025. Production will continue to expand through 2031.

This pant is part of a larger overall investment in America. Over the next decade, Toyota will invest $3.4 billion on vehicle batteries. There's a difference of $2.1 billion that will presumably be invested in battery tech as well, possibly an additional factory. Toyota further points out its hybrid-electric engine expansion is already underway, specifically for the all-new2022 Tundra.

The full-size pickup truck will come powered by a new twin-turbo V6 that's available with a hybrid system for a total output of 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. Sans the hybrid tech, output is 389 hp and 479 lb-ft. This engine is currently in production at the Huntsville,Alabama plant.