Kia Begins Georgia Production of EV9

June 3rd, 2024 by

Kia’s Westpoint Georgia assembly plant has officially begun its production of the EV9. This makes the 3-row electric SUV the first electric vehicle assembled in Georgia.

This milestone also unlocks tax incentives for EV9 buyers that can only apply to electric vehicles manufactured within the United States. Buyers can qualify for a credit of up to $7,500 when buying a new EV for use primarily in the US. One stipulation for the credit has required that the vehicle must undergo final assembly within the US. This update to the Georgia facility finally makes this possible for the EV9. Full details about this incentive can be seen in full on the IRS website. The form for the credit can also be found on this page.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp helped announce the plant expansion last year, noting that it would create nearly 200 new jobs for the state. Kia invested over $200 million into outfitting the facility to produce the EV9. “Marty and I were privileged to be part of this monumental accomplishment by the Kia Georgia team,” said Governor Kemp. “This expansion of Kia’s operations in our state and the addition of this incredible new product line to the vehicles already being built in West Point is just the latest example of what comes from state and local partners working with this valued job creator.

The assembly facility also manufactures an array of award-winning Kia SUV’s including the Telluride, Sorento, and Sportage. Additionally, more than 40% of Kia vehicles sold in the country are manufactured at this Georgia facility. As the brand’s first 3-row all-electric SUV, the EV9 is the frontrunner of Kia’s ongoing focus on sustainable mobility.

“Like Telluride, EV9 has the potential to be another change catalyst for Kia,” said Sean Yoon, President & CEO of Kia Motors North America. “This will be the most innovative vehicle that we have ever built and will be a standout in the EV market and on the road. Best of all, it will be assembled in West Point, Georgia.”

Kia has invested $1.9 billion into the state of Georgia and is now a large part of making southeastern states a beacon of sustainable motor vehicles. Governor Kemp recognized January 31 as “Kia Day” for the state earlier this year, commending Kia’s vehicle manufacturing and its impact on the state since making one of the biggest single foreign investments in Georgia’s history when the vehicle assembly plant was originally announced in 2006. Kia Georgia is the first manufacturing site in North America for Kia Corporation. It produces an annual capacity of 340,000 units.