With Hyundai breaking ground on its massive $5.5 billion “Metaplant” project near Savannah, Georgia, Kia on Tuesday confirmed that it will also have upcoming electric vehicles built at the facility. this department.
That was always a fair assumption, but now it has been confirmed. As Hyundai announced in May, it plans to produce 300,000 EVs per year at the Georgia plant, including models from Hyundai and Genesis – and now Kia. The battery must be manufactured separately, with a corresponding battery joint venture yet to be detailed. And Hyundai’s companion parts and components division, Hyundai Mobis is said to be looking for locations nearby.
Kia Concept EV9
Kia already has a facility in West Point, Georgia, that manufactures the Telluride, Sorento and Sportage SUVs, as well as the K5 sedan. So, the new factory will find space for US electric vehicle assembly — and potentially qualify the brand’s future electric vehicles under the more stringent requirements of the Inflation and Reduction Act. improved EV tax credit.
Production at the Savannah plant for Kia will begin in the first half of 2025. One of the top candidates for production there is the Hyundai Ioniq 7, as previewed. Seven concepts. Kia’s Electric SUV EV9 to the United States in 2023, although it could be shipped to the factory. Brands are planning an electric pickup truck that would be a likely candidate.
2024 Kia EV9 undergoes final testing
As big as the Hyundai plant is, it’s not the largest EV plant planned in Georgia. Rivian has a purpose to do 450,000 electric trucks per year in Georgia, with a plant scheduled to begin production in 2024. Theo Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Quoting Hyundai and Genesis Motor North America CEO José Muñoz, the plant could be expanded to 500,000 units per year and involve “probably five or six” upcoming EV models.
This is just the latest in a series of decisions that have catapulted Georgia into the center of electric vehicle manufacturing. Battery maker SK Innovation is also building Georgia dual battery factory will be able to support 300,000 EVs per year and is gradually increasing to supply Ford and VW.
