Who makes car batteries for Toyota?
Toyota’s batteries are primarily produced by Panasonic through Primearth EV Energy (PEVE), a long-standing Toyota–Panasonic joint venture. To diversify supply and regionalize production, Toyota also sources lithium-ion cells from other global suppliers such as CATL, BYD, and LG Energy Solution for selected models and markets.
Core foundations: PEVE and Panasonic
Toyota has built its electrified powertrain strategy around a stable, collaborative framework with Panasonic. This partnership has historically centered on NiMH battery packs for hybrids and has evolved to include Lithium-ion modules for newer vehicles. The joint venture structure and ongoing cell development have been central to Toyota’s ability to scale hybrid and electrified offerings worldwide.
Primearth EV Energy (PEVE)
Primearth EV Energy Co., Ltd. (PEVE) is a joint venture between Toyota and Panasonic formed to design and supply battery modules for Toyota’s hybrids and electrified vehicles. PEVE has been the backbone for NiMH battery packs in longstanding hybrids like the Prius and has expanded into Li-ion module development for newer platforms.
Panasonic’s broader role
Beyond PEVE, Panasonic has supplied lithium-ion cells used in Toyota’s electrified lineup and continues to collaborate on cell development and manufacturing to meet Toyota’s evolving energy-storage needs. The relationship reflects a long-term integration of battery expertise with Toyota’s vehicle programs.
Diversifying the supplier base
To reduce risk and ensure capacity for an accelerating electrification road map, Toyota has broadened its battery-supply network beyond PEVE and Panasonic. The following partners provide lithium-ion cells for specific models, regions, and programs.
- CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd.) — China-based supplier providing Li-ion cells for Toyota models in China and other regions as part of diversification.
- BYD — Chinese battery and EV group supplying Li-ion cells for select Toyota models in Asia under regional partnerships.
- LG Energy Solution — South Korean supplier considered as a potential source of Li-ion cells for certain Toyota programs as part of ongoing diversification.
Note: The exact model-by-model and region-by-region supplier mix can change with new contracts, pricing, and regional demand. Toyota publicly emphasizes a multi-supplier strategy to secure stable supply for its electrified lineup.
Regional footprint and model implications
In Japan and many Western markets, PEVE and Panasonic remain central for NiMH and early Li-ion battery modules feeding Toyota’s hybrid systems. For markets experiencing rapid electrification, Toyota has pursued additional Li-ion cell sources (CATL, BYD, and others) to ensure sufficient supply and to price-match with local demand. The company’s approach aims to balance legacy hybrid technology with the growth of plug-in hybrids and battery-electric vehicles across regions.
Historical foundations and current structure
The Toyota–Panasonic partnership established a reliable, scalable path for hybrid energy storage that has influenced how Toyota designs, sources, and integrates batteries across generations. As Toyota accelerates its electrification plan, the battery supply framework remains a blend of a proven, in-house approach (via PEVE) and strategic collaborations with external cell manufacturers to support global demand.
Summary
Toyota’s battery supply ecosystem centers on PEVE’s NiMH and Li-ion module development in collaboration with Panasonic, complemented by external Li-ion cell contracts with CATL, BYD, and LG Energy Solution to broaden capacity and regional coverage. This diversified approach supports Toyota’s goal of expanding electrified offerings while maintaining stable, scalable battery supply across markets.
In short, Toyota’s batteries are primarily built through a core partnership with Panasonic (via PEVE), with additional cells sourced from CATL, BYD, and LG Energy Solution to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving global lineup. As the company continues to electrify more models, the mix of partners is likely to evolve in step with technology, pricing, and regional demand.
