Hyundai’s $7.6 Billion EV Plant In Georgia Begins Production With First U.S.-Made IONIQ 5

In a landmark moment for both Hyundai and the state of Georgia, the company’s massive $7.6 billion electric vehicle (EV) plant near Savannah has officially started production. 

The plant, Metaplant America (HMGMA), represents the largest economic development project in Georgia’s history as its first America-made IONIQ 5 rolled off the assembly line. As a result, this signals a major step forward in the United States (U.S.)’ EV manufacturing capabilities.

Rapid Development and Early Production

Construction of the plant, which broke ground in October 2022, was completed in less than two years. The accelerated timeline allowed the company to start initial production of customer vehicles ahead of schedule, with the first U.S.-made IONIQ 5 rolling off the assembly line this week.

The Metaplant is set to have a transformative effect on the region’s economy. Hyundai’s investment has grown from $5 billion to $7.6 billion, with plans to create 8,500 new jobs at the plant alone. Furthermore, the plant is expected to generate over 58,200 new jobs across the state and attract more than $12.6 billion in investments.

The 2025 IONIQ 5: Leading the Charge

The first vehicle to be produced at the new plant is the updated 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5. This latest model is expected to arrive with over 310 miles of range, a redesigned exterior, and notably, an NACS charging port that will allow access to Tesla’s Supercharger network. The U.S.-made IONIQ 5 is scheduled to reach dealerships by the end of 2024 and will be eligible for a partial $3,750 federal tax credit.

Future Plans and Expanded Production

Hyundai has more plans for the Metaplant. Later this year, the company will unveil its first all-electric three-row SUV, the IONIQ 9, which will also be manufactured at the Georgia plant. Furthermore, Hyundai anticipates that once its battery plant becomes operational, U.S.-made EVs from the Metaplant will qualify for the full $7,500 federal tax credit.

Georgia’s EV Manufacturing Hub

The opening of Hyundai’s Metaplant solidifies Georgia’s position as an emerging hub for green manufacturing. Since 2018, the state has attracted over $28 billion in investments for EVs, batteries, and other clean energy projects, creating more than 36,000 new jobs. This trend is set to continue, with an additional $5 billion EV battery plant under construction in Bartow County through a partnership with SK On.

Collaboration and Future Prospects

The success of the Metaplant is a result of extensive collaboration between Hyundai, state officials, and local communities. Georgia has worked with universities and technical programs to prepare a new generation of auto workers for the burgeoning EV industry. The plant’s opening was celebrated privately with its 1,400-plus employees, with a public grand opening expected in early 2025 according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

As Hyundai ramps up production at its new facility, the company is also expanding its reach in the EV market. On the same day as the plant’s production launch, Hyundai announced a multi-year partnership with Waymo, integrating its U.S.-made IONIQ 5 into Waymo’s robotaxi fleet.

Read More: Hyundai And Waymo Unite To Revolutionize Autonomous Driving Tech In IONIQ 5 Models

With the Metaplant now operational, Hyundai is well-positioned to play a leading role in the U.S. EV market, while Georgia continues to cement its status as a key player in the nation’s transition to electric mobility.

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