Key Highlights:
- Kia opens its first dedicated electric vehicle manufacturing facility.
- The new plant has a production capacity of 1,50,000 units per year.
- Production of Kia’s EV3 compact all-electric SUV is underway.
- The mid-sized EV4 electric sedan will debut in 2025.
Kia opens its first-ever dedicated EV manufacturing plant, the Gwangmyeong EVO plant, located in South Korea. This facility is Hyundai Motor Group’s first dedicated EV manufacturing unit, highlighting a stronger push towards electric mobility.
Production Capacity and EV Models
The new facility has an annual production capacity of 1,50,000 units. Kia has already started mass production of its compact all-electric SUV, the EV3. Following this, the EV4, a mid-sized electric sedan, is expected to enter production in the first half of 2025.
Transformation of Gwangmyeong Plant 2
Kia spent the past year transforming the Gwangmyeong Plant 2, which originally manufactured internal combustion engine vehicles like the Kia Pride and Avella. The facility, built in 1987, has been fully rebuilt to focus on next-generation electric vehicles.
Kia’s Lineup of EV Models
The Gwangmyeong EVO plant will play a central role in Kia’s EV lineup. The EV3 is the brand’s third dedicated electric model, following the EV6, launched in 2021, and the EV9, a flagship SUV launched in 2023. With the EV4 set to join the lineup in 2025, Kia is steadily expanding its EV portfolio.
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ELCTRIK Speaks
Kia’s new Gwangmyeong EVO plant is a major milestone in its transition towards electrification. With a strong production capacity and a growing EV lineup, including the EV3 and upcoming EV4, Kia is set to play a significant role in the global electric vehicle market. This strategic move aligns with the broader industry trend of ramping up EV production to meet the increasing demand for sustainable transportation.