The long-awaited Hyundai Ioniq 9 production has finally begun. Hyundai began production of its first three-row electric SUV at its new EV factory in Georgia. This is a major milestone in the company’s electric vehicle (EV) growth in the United States. The enormous facility, Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA), will also produce future Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis EVs.
Hyundai Ioniq 9 Production Begins in Georgia
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 production launch is part of a record-breaking $7.6 billion investment in Georgia. The project is the state’s largest economic development project to date. Hyundai projects that it will generate 8,500 direct jobs by 2030, with an even more significant effect if partnerships with SK On and LG Energy Solutions are considered. Overall, the new facility has drawn more than $12.6 billion in investments and could create close to 40,000 jobs.
At the grand opening, Hyundai Motor Group executive chairman Euisun Chung emphasized the significance of this investment by saying, “Together with the skilled employees at HMGMA, we are constructing the future of mobility with America, in America.”
Features of the Hyundai Ioniq 9
With the start of Hyundai Ioniq 9 production, the new electric SUV is on its way to the market soon. The bigger SUV comes with a whopping 110.3 kWh battery that has an EPA-estimated range of up to 335 miles. It also has a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port that enables easy charging at Tesla Superchargers.
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is slightly larger than its Kia EV9 sibling, at 5,060 mm (199.2 inches) long, 1,980 mm (78 inches) wide, and 1,790 mm (70.5 inches) tall. Hyundai Ioniq 9 is perfect for families because it is roomy and has “lounge-like” interior offers. It offers up to 1,322 liters of cargo capacity which makes it perfect for families and road trips. Hyundai hasn’t released official pricing yet, but estimates put it at around $60,000.
Impact of Hyundai’s New EV Plant
Hyundai Ioniq 9 production start marks the beginning of mass EV production at the Georgia plant. Initially, the facility will produce around 300,000 EVs per year, eventually increasing to 500,000 units per year. The first vehicle to roll off the assembly line was the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5, which started production last October.
Additionally, the plant will introduce a Kia model in 2026. Speculation suggests this could be the upcoming Kia EV4, the brand’s first fully electric sedan. Hyundai’s investments extend beyond this facility, with a broader $21 billion commitment to expanding EV production and infrastructure in the U.S.
Future of Hyundai EVs in the U.S.
Despite the hype surrounding the Hyundai Ioniq 9 manufacturing milestone, some challenges remain. Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff recently expressed opposition to potential modifications of federal EV incentives, warning that removing tax credits would threaten EV sales. Nevertheless, Hyundai remains committed to increasing the availability of EVs in the U.S., solidifying its status as a leader in the growing market.
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is due to launch this spring, and it will make Hyundai another player in the electric revolution.
