Building on the $1 billion investment announced on March 23, 2026, Toyota is aggressively retooling its Midwest “auto corridor” to launch a new generation of American-made electric vehicles.
Here are the specific details on the 2027 EV models and the strategic shifts planned for the Kentucky and Indiana plants:
Toyota Kentucky (Georgetown): The “Highlander EV” Hub
The Georgetown facility, Toyota’s largest in the world, is the centerpiece of the company’s U.S. electrification.
- The 2027 Highlander EV: Confirmed as the first three-row battery-electric SUV (BEV) Toyota will build in the U.S. It is expected to arrive in late 2026 as a 2027 model.
- Trims: Available in XLE and Limited grades.
- Features: It will feature vehicle-to-load (V2L) technology, allowing the car to act as a mobile power source for tools or camping gear.
- Specs: Rumored to offer a range of roughly 320 miles and will come equipped with a NACS (North American Charging Standard) port for seamless use of the Tesla Supercharger network.
- The “Second BEV”: Today’s $800 million injection is specifically earmarked to prepare the plant for a second, yet-to-be-named all-electric model. Industry rumors suggest this could be an electric version of the Land Cruiser Se or a dedicated electric flagship SUV.
Toyota Indiana (Princeton): The Rugged EV Alternative
While today’s $200 million is focused on boosting Grand Highlander production, it supplements a massive $1.4 billion investment from 2024 dedicated to a new BEV.
- The “bZ5X” or Lexus Equivalent: Toyota Indiana is slated to produce an “all-new, three-row battery-electric SUV” distinct from the Kentucky Highlander.
- Speculation points to a production version of the bZ Large SUV concept (likely badged as the bZ5X).
- Given that the plant currently builds the Lexus TX, there is strong evidence that an electric Lexus SUV (likely the Lexus TZ) will also share this production line by 2027.
The Supply Chain: “Made in North Carolina”
A critical detail of these 2027 models is their “All-American” DNA:
- Batteries: All lithium-ion battery modules for these Kentucky and Indiana EVs will be supplied by the newly opened Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina facility in Liberty, NC.
- Tax Credits: Localizing both vehicle assembly and battery production is a strategic move to ensure these $50,000+ SUVs qualify for the full $7,500 federal EV tax credit.
Summary Table: Upcoming U.S. EVs (2026–2027)
Model Plant Est. Launch Key Detail
Highlander EV Kentucky Late 2026 First U.S.-built 3-row BEV
bZ5X (Tentative) Indiana 2027 Rugged, larger 3-row SUV
Lexus TZ (Rumored) Indiana 2027 Premium electric SUV
“Second BEV” Kentucky 2027+ Part of today’s $800M retooling
Would you like me to look into the projected pricing for the Highlander EV or how its 320-mile range compares to its main rival, the Kia EV9?