Hyundai Marks a Major Milestone with New U.S. EV Facility
Hyundai has officially begun production of its first three-row electric SUV, the IONIQ 9, at its newly inaugurated electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing plant in Georgia. The company celebrated the grand opening of Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) on Wednesday, marking a significant step in Hyundai’s EV expansion strategy. This new facility will be responsible for assembling Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis electric and hybrid vehicles. With the IONIQ 9 rolling off the production line, its official launch is expected soon.
The Georgia plant represents Hyundai’s most ambitious investment in the U.S. to date. Part of a $7.6 billion initiative, it stands as the state’s largest economic development project. The facility is projected to generate approximately 8,500 direct jobs by 2030. However, when factoring in Hyundai’s battery joint ventures with SK On and LG Energy Solutions, as well as partnerships with 18 suppliers, total investment in the region surpasses $12.6 billion. According to the Center for Automotive Research, these developments are expected to create close to 40,000 jobs in Georgia.
A New Era for Hyundai’s U.S. Manufacturing
During the opening ceremony, Hyundai Motor Group’s executive chair, Euisun Chung, expressed the company’s commitment to building the future of mobility in America. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, Hyundai CEO Jose Munoz, and Kia CEO Ho Sung Song were among the notable attendees at the event. The plant is designed to manufacture up to 500,000 electric and hybrid vehicles annually under the Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis brands, with initial production capacity set at 300,000 units per year.
Although the plant’s official inauguration was held this week, production had already commenced in October with the first vehicle, the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5, rolling off the assembly line. Hyundai has enhanced this model with increased driving range (up to 318 miles), updated exterior and interior styling, and the inclusion of a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, enabling access to Tesla’s Supercharger network.
Hyundai has now confirmed that the IONIQ 9 is in production, with the vehicle set to hit the market this spring. The larger SUV aims to build on the success of its predecessors, offering advanced features and extended range.
IONIQ 9: A Spacious and Powerful Electric SUV
The IONIQ 9 is positioned as Hyundai’s flagship electric SUV, boasting a powerful 110.3 kWh battery capable of delivering an EPA-estimated range of up to 335 miles. Like the 2025 IONIQ 5, it will also feature an NACS charging port, ensuring compatibility with Tesla’s widespread Supercharger network.
The SUV’s interior is designed for maximum comfort, offering a spacious “lounge-like” experience with up to 1,322 liters of cargo space—outpacing Kia’s three-row EV9, which offers 1,233 liters. Measuring 5,060 mm in length, 1,980 mm in width, and 1,790 mm in height, the IONIQ 9 is slightly larger than its Kia counterpart, providing additional room for passengers and cargo.
As Hyundai’s latest EV offering enters the market, the company continues to solidify its presence in the U.S. electric vehicle landscape, leveraging its new Georgia plant to meet growing demand for sustainable transportation solutions.
