Kia expects EV sales to pick up as the EV6 and EV9 enter full-scale production in Georgia

Kia’s EV sales run is about to heat up. With the EV9 and EV6 now in full-scale production at its West Point, Georgia, plant, Kia plans to sell even more EVs in the US this year.

Kia EV6 and EV9 enter production in Georgia

Kia just had its sixth straight record-breaking sales month and its best first quarter ever, but the Korean automaker expects things to pick up from here.

In the first three months of 2025, Kia sold nearly 200,000 vehicles in the US, 10.7% more than it did last year. The company said higher demand for SUVs and the new K4 fueled its growth.

Following a brand revamp in 2021, including a new logo, slogan, and design, Kia has seen impressive sales growth. According to Eric Watson, Kia America’s vice president of sales, the company is seeing “increased customer interest and showroom traffic.”

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It also helps that it has some of the most affordable, efficient electric cars on the market. Although Kia’s EV sales were down slightly in Q1, sales are expected to accelerate in 2025.

Kia sold 3,756 EV9s in the first quarter of 2025, down from just over 4,000 last year. Sales of the EV6 also slipped to 3,373 from 4,059 in Q1.

Watson confirmed that the EV6 and EV9 are now in full-scale operation at its West Point, Georgia, plant, which is expected to “further accelerate the growth of Kia’s electric vehicle sales.”

Kia will also benefit from Hyundai’s massive new Metaplant America opening in Georgia. Hyundai Motor, including Kia and Genesis, is establishing a supply chain in the US with battery joint ventures, manufacturing, and more, which will help cut costs while accelerating output.

The plant will eventually be able to produce up to 500,000 EVs and hybrids for the Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis brands.

Following the IONIQ 9, its first three-row electric SUV, Hyundai said it will build the first Kia vehicle at the facility in 2026. Will it be Kia’s first electric sedan, the EV4? Set to rival Tesla’s Model 3, the EV4 will likely charge up Kia’s sales later this year and into 2026.