AUTO

Arizona’s Proving Grounds Are Turning Into an EV Testing Playground. Here’s What Toyota Just Added.

July 2, 2025

Toyota is investing $50 million into its Arizona proving grounds, adding a 5.5-mile oval and off-road park to test future EVs.
The proving grounds have logged 200,000 test hours with 286 vehicles from 37 companies. This place stays busy.
Toyota plans 15 new BEVs by 2027, and this testing facility will be the desert lab where they’re pushed to the limit.

Have you ever wondered where future Toyotas get their strength and durability? The answer can be found in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, where a 5.5‑mile oval track cuts through the heat, and battery-powered test benches operate under the relentless Arizona sun. Toyota has committed over $50 million to its proving grounds in this remote region, investing in the future of vehicle testing with no exaggeration.

_{Aerial view of Toyota’s Arizona proving grounds, showing newly expanded test tracks, oval circuits, and off-road sections under desert skies.}

To begin with, Toyota’s latest investment is far from random. It’s a strategic expansion of serious testing infrastructure. The company has broken ground on a 5.5-mile oval track, an off-road park, and new ride and handling surfaces. These additions are practical tools designed for real-world vehicle performance testing. Most of the construction is expected to be completed by late 2025.

So why does that matter? Because Toyota plans to test advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and electrified vehicles at this facility, including hybrids, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). The site, now known as the Arizona Mobility Test Center, has been open to other automakers and suppliers since 2021. Since then, thirty-seven organizations have brought a total of 286 test vehicles, which have accumulated approximately 203,400 hours of testing across 22 events. That level of usage reflects a clear return on investment.

Stefan Young, VP of R&D at Toyota Motor North America, said, “Site updates make it more attractive as an ideal place for companies to test new vehicle capabilities, including by Toyota for our own North American‑developed vehicle line‑up.” That feels like a wink. Yes, Toyota will test its next‑gen stuff here.

“Again and again, Arizona is proving why businesses move to, stay in, invest in our state,” Governor Katie Hobbs chimed in. “We’re grateful to Toyota for its efforts to bring innovation and opportunity to Arizona. This new investment in our state will spur economic growth and put us at the forefront of auto ingenuity.”

“I’m grateful to Toyota for their investment in Wittmann, Arizona and their commitment to innovation,” Leo Biasiucci, Chair of Arizona’s House Transportation Committee, added. “As chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I’m proud that Toyota chose Arizona to call home.”

Okay, now what about electric and plug‑in hybrids? The company plans to offer 15 battery electric vehicle (BEV) models by 2027, compared to the five it currently offers. Two of these new BEVs will be manufactured in the United States, joining three imported models: the bZ Woodland, the C-HR, and the Lexus ES. Toyota has also made updates to the bZ4X, improving both its charging speed and driving range. As for plug-in hybrids, the latest Prius Plug-in Hybrid offers approximately 44 miles of electric-only range, while the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid delivers around 42 miles on electric power alone.

_{2026 Toyota C-HR battery electric compact SUV arrives with 338 HP AWD, 290-Mile Range, NACS Fast Charging.}

David Christ, head of Toyota brand North America, told CNBC, “We love the PHEV powertrain. We’re working to increase perpetually the amount of miles you can drive on EV‑only range.” He highlighted that plug‑in hybrids serve as a practical bridge while Toyota continues to expand its battery electric vehicle lineup.

The new test surfaces at the Arizona Mobility Test Center are being built to handle critical evaluations, including battery thermal management and fast-charging cycles under intense desert heat. These surfaces will also support advanced testing of vehicles such as the Toyota C-HR BEV or upcoming Lexus models in simulated conditions for driver assistance technologies.

Front-side view of a white 2026 Toyota bZ electric SUV parked in an industrial alleyway between two large buildings marked “BAKERY.” — _{Front-side view of a white 2026 Toyota bZ electric SUV parked in an industrial alleyway between two large buildings.}

Intertek, the company managing AMTC, already provides a comprehensive range of services that support battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle development. These services include EV infrastructure testing, battery pack cycling, sensor durability evaluations, and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication assessments. All of these are essential for validating next-generation vehicle platforms.

Toyota isn’t alone in using Arizona’s desert climate for vehicle development. General Motors (GM) conducts extreme heat testing for electric vehicles in the Yuma Desert. Ford and Chrysler–Stellantis have also operated testing facilities in Arizona. However, Stellantis reportedly closed its proving grounds in the state. With continued investment and expansion, Toyota is gaining a competitive edge in this critical region.

Oh, and fun fact, the proving grounds cover an area of 11,650 acres and include 77 miles of testing surfaces, with 60 miles paved and over 50 miles made up of dirt and off-road tracks. To put that in perspective, the entire facility is roughly the size of Manhattan, except this one is built for engineers instead of skyscrapers.