Posted on 29 Jul 2024
Japanese automaker Toyota plans to land an electric vehicle battery factory in Fukuoka, Kyushu, Japan, according to Japanese media Nikkei Asia.
Kallanish Power Materials is still waiting for Toyota's confirmation on this issue.
Nikkei Asia says the automaker will acquire land at the industrial park in Karita Town, Fukuoka.
It also says Toyota aims to make Kyushu a central part of its EV supply chain and an export base to Asian markets as it also has a strong semiconductor cluster to help improve the intelligent features of the EVs.
The new factory would be about 40 kilometres away from Toyota's existing factory in Miyata, Kurate District, Fukuoka. As this existing factory is focusing on assembling Lexus cars with an annual capacity of 430,000 units and an export rate of 90%, Kallanish also sent inquiry to Lexus' press contact for confirmation about whether the upcoming factory will supply batteries for these vehicles.
The media report says that Toyota's battery subsidiary Primearth EV Energy will be responsible for operating this upcoming EV battery factory. This project is likely to receive government subsidies.
Previously, Toyota announced it plans to increase its global annual EV sales volume to 3.5 million units in 2030. Lexus will be key in its EV strategy and it plans to electrify all Lexus v=models by 2035.
Kyushu is also major hub for Japan's semiconductor industry and is often referred to as the Silicon Island.
According to the Kyushu Bureau of Economy, Trade, and Industry, there have been 100 semiconductor-related investment projects in Kyushu from April 2021 to June 2024. Kumamoto Prefecture leads with 52 projects, followed by Fukuoka Prefecture with 15 projects. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company's (TSMC) Kumamoto plants account for over 60% of the total investment amount.
Source:Kallanish Power Materials
