Kia has taken a significant step forward in its electric vehicle (EV) strategy with the official opening of its Gwangmyeong EVO Plant. This state-of-the-art plant, located at Kia Autoland Gwangmyeong in South Korea, is the first dedicated EV manufacturing plant for Hyundai Motor Group.

According to Kia, the Gwangmyeong EVO Plant, derived from the term “Evolution,” arrives with an annual production capacity of 150,000 units that is set to play a crucial role in Kia’s expansion into the global EV market. As a result, this new plant symbolizes Kia’s goal of innovation and electric mobility.

Jun Young Choi, Executive Vice President and Head of Domestic Production Division at Kia, emphasized the plant’s significance: “The completion of the Kia Gwangmyeong EVO Plant solidifies Kia’s first step as an EV leader following the company’s brand relaunch in 2021. With the goal of providing sustainable mobility solutions, we will lead innovation in the EV market and fulfill our responsibilities in helping to deliver a sustainable future.”

The new plant represents a remarkable transformation from its previous incarnation. Originally built in 1987 to produce small internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles such as the Kia Pride and Avella, the plant has undergone a complete overhaul over the past year. This conversion from an ICE plant to an EV-focused plant underlines Kia’s strategic shift towards electrification.

Kia has invested KRW 401.6 billion (approximately $300 million) in the 60,000-square-meter plant, incorporating cutting-edge manufacturing technologies. These innovations not only enhance efficiency but also reduce the environmental impact of vehicle production, aligning with Kia’s commitment to sustainability.

The Gwangmyeong EVO Plant is already in action, with mass production of the Kia EV3 underway. This compact all-electric SUV, positioned as Kia’s third dedicated EV model after the EV6 and EV9, has generated significant interest in the Korean market. Over 10,000 reservations were secured within 23 days of opening pre-orders in June.

Key details of the EV3 include:

Looking ahead, Kia plans to introduce the EV4, its first compact electric sedan, in the first half of 2025. The EV4 is anticipated to start in the $35,000 to $40,000 price range, further expanding Kia’s EV lineup.

The establishment of the Gwangmyeong EVO Plant is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy. Seung Won Park, Mayor of Gwangmyeong City, highlighted the plant’s potential to position the city as a center for EV manufacturing in Korea, creating jobs and promoting sustainable local economic development.

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As global demand for EVs continues to grow, Kia’s new dedicated facility positions the company to respond flexibly to market changes. With its focus on innovation, sustainability, and high-quality production, the Gwangmyeong EVO Plant sets the stage for Kia to play a leading role in the ongoing electric vehicle revolution.

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