Toyota Moves 3-Row EV Production To Kentucky

In a major strategic shift, Toyota will consolidate U.S. production of its electric vehicles (EVs) at its Georgetown, Kentucky plant and boost output of its combustion-powered Grand Highlander crossover in Indiana, Larry P. Vellequette reported for Automotive News.

The shift reflects the rapidly evolving EV landscape in the U.S. and allows Toyota to scale production more efficiently in line with market trends. I Photo: Wesley Chapel Toyota

Toyota informed workers and suppliers of the changes on June 23, reversing previous plans to produce a new three-row EV in Princeton, Indiana, and another in Kentucky.

Less than a year ago, Toyota announced a $1.4 billion investment in Indiana for what was expected to be an EV successor to the internal combustion Highlander.

Both EVs will now be assembled in Kentucky, while the Grand Highlander—currently produced at Toyota’s west plant in Indiana—will also be assembled at its east plant to meet increased demand.

“To improve manufacturing efficiencies and better serve customers based on market demand, Toyota is strategically transitioning production across its plants in Kentucky and Indiana,” the company told Automotive News.

Batteries for the EVs will come from Toyota’s $13.9 billion battery complex under construction in North Carolina. The shift reflects the rapidly evolving EV landscape in the U.S. and allows Toyota to scale production more efficiently in line with market trends.