Hyundai’s Georgia EV plant is officially open and ready to launch the three-row IONIQ 9

Hyundai’s massive new EV plant in Georgia is officially open for business. The company held the grand opening on Wednesday at its new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, where it will build upcoming EVs, including its first three-row electric SUV, the IONIQ 9.

Hyundai’s new EV plant is now open in Georgia

Less than two years after starting construction, Hyundai is celebrating what could be the company’s most important investment so far.

Hyundai’s new EV plant is part of a $7.6 billion investment in Georgia, the state’s largest economic development project to date. It’s expected to create about 8,500 direct jobs by 2030.

However, if you include its battery plant with SK On and the 18 suppliers that joined in, Hyundai’s new facility has attracted over $12.6 billion in investments. According to the Center for Automotive Research, Hyundai’s new EV plant will create over 58,200 jobs in Georgia.

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During the grand opening on Wednesday, Hyundai Motor Group executive chair Euisun Chung said, “Together with the talented workforce at HMGMA, we are building the future of mobility with America, in America.”

Chung was joined by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, Hyundai CEO Jose Munoz, and Kia CEO Ho Sung Song, among several others.

The new plant will produce EVs and hybrids under the Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis brands. Despite the opening ceremony, the first model, the new 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5, rolled off the assembly line in October.

Hyundai upgraded the electric SUV with more range (up to 318 miles), a new interior and exterior style, and an NACS port for charging at Tesla Superchargers.

Next up will be Hyundai’s first three-row electric SUV, the IONIQ 9. The larger SUV is due out this spring, so it should be any day now.

Like the 2025 IONIQ 5, the IONIQ 9 will include an NACS port. It will also pack a massive 110.3 kWh battery providing up to 335 miles EPA-estimated range.

The opening ceremony follows Hyundai’s landmark $21 billion investment in the US, announced earlier this week. Hyundai will use $9 billion to boost Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis brand output to 1.2 million. Another $6 billion will be used to build a new steel plant in Louisiana.

Meanwhile, GA Senator Jon Ossoff issued a warning during a press conference Wednesday: “The Trump Administration’s war on electric vehicles poses a threat to EV sales, to the EV market, and to the automobile industry in Georgia and across the country.” Killing off federal tax credits will only put the US further behind China and others in the global auto and tech industry.

Source: WTOC, Hyundai