Kia Corporation has opened its Gwangmyeong EVO Plant, the first dedicated EV manufacturing facility for Hyundai Motor Group. Located at Kia Autoland Gwangmyeong in South Korea, the new plant has an annual production capacity of 150,000 units.
Production of the Kia EV3, a compact all-electric SUV, began in the first half of this year. The facility is set to start manufacturing the EV4, a mid-sized electric sedan, in the first half of 2025.
The plant’s completion was celebrated with a ceremony attended by around 150 guests, including Jun Young Choi, Executive Vice President and Head of Domestic Production Division at Kia, and Seung Won Park, Mayor of Gwangmyeong City.
“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,” said Choi. “We will lead innovation in the EV market and fulfil our responsibilities in helping to deliver a sustainable future.”
The facility, which required an investment of KRW 401.6 billion (approximately USD 300 million), was created by transforming Gwangmyeong Plant 2, originally completed in 1987 for small internal combustion engine vehicles.
Kia has focused on eco-friendly and worker-friendly processes in the plant’s design. The body shop now features automated guided forklifts, while the paint shop uses a water-based method to improve its environmental credentials. New equipment has been introduced to enhance worker wellbeing, including machinery for automatic installation of high-voltage batteries, wheels, and tires.
The Gwangmyeong EVO Plant is part of Kia’s broader strategy to expand its EV lineup. It follows the launch of the Kia EV6 in 2021 and the Kia EV9 in 2023. With this new facility, Kia aims to strengthen its position in the growing EV market.
