Kia kicks off EV9 production in Georgia, making history as the first EV assembled in the state

After the first EV9 rolled off the production line in Georgia this week, Kia made history with the first EV assembled from start to finish in the Peach State. Kia’s new three-row electric SUV is already making a big presence in the US.

Meet Kia’s first electric three-row SUV

Kia introduced the EV9 in March 2023, with deliveries starting in Korea last June. With US prices starting at $54,900, Kia calls the EV9 a “wake-up call” for the market.

After its first 11 months on the market, the EV9 exports represented 81.4% (39,309 units) of the Korean automaker’s total export sales volume. Through April, the EV9 accounted for 93% of Kia’s exports.

Over 48,000 EV9s have been sold globally, and Kia is on pace to sell 50,000 models in its first year on the market.

Deliveries began in the US late last year, Kia’s largest market. Through the first four months of 2024, Kia has sold over 5,500 EV9 models. Strong demand for the large electric SUV led Kia to record monthly EV sales (+60% over the previous record in April 2022) in April.

With EV9 production kicking off in Georgia, Kia expects the momentum to continue. Brian Kemp, Governor of Georgia, announced the news Thursday.

Kia EV9 production begins in Georgia

Kemp said he was “Excited to be at Kia’s West Point plant today to kick off production of the Kia EV9.” He added that EV9 made history as “the first EV assembled from start to finish in the Peach State.”

With the EV9 built in Georgia, Kia expects the electric SUV to qualify for the $7,500 EV tax credit. Kia officials have already confirmed the US-made electric SUV will be eligible.

At 197.2″ long, the EV9 is even longer than the Kia Telluride, but it’s the same height (70.1″) and width (77.9″) as the three-row gas-powered SUV.

With 42.8″ of rear passenger legroom, the EV9 tops even the Cadillac Escalade and three-row Range Rover P400.

Kia also loaded the electric SUV with its latest software and tech. It includes Kia’s next-gen ccNC (connected car navigation cockpit) infotainment with Android Auto and Google CarPlay support.

Kia’s ccNC includes dual 12.3″ cluster and infotainment screens powered by Nvidia Drive tech for a software-defined experience. Do you see why EV9 sales continue climbing?

To keep up the momentum, Kia is offering up to $12,400 in stackable savings off the 2024 EV9’s MSRP. You can use our link to view deals on the 2024 Kia EV9 in your area.