AUTO

Kia Boosts West Point Plant for EV9 Production

July 23, 2023

Kia is expanding its Georgia plant to assemble the EV9 fully-electric SUV.
The expansion should add about 200 new jobs.
Kia already assembles the popular Telluride and other SUVs in the plant in West Point, GA.

In the United States, EV incentives are only available for vehicles manufactured stateside. Unfortunately, the popular Kia EV6 doesn’t qualify for the Inflation Reduction Act tax credit, as it’s manufactured in South Korea.

Spending Money to Boost the US Economy

To encourage drivers to purchase the upcoming 2024 Kia EV9, the automaker is busily transforming its Georgia plant so the fully-electric three-row SUV will qualify for the $7,500 tax credit.

Kia is spending over $200 million to transform its assembly plant in West Point, Georgia. This expansion will add about 200 jobs to the assembly plant where Kia currently produces the Telluride, Sorento, Sportage, and K5.

Photo of blue 2024 EV9 GT-Line in the forrest on dirt road

Why West Point, GA for the Kia EV9?

This location makes sense, not only for the tax credit but because the Kia EV9 will share SUV elements with the award-winning Telluride. The EV9 will be a capable, high-tech mid-size SUV filled with elegant interior and exterior styling. Kia also assembles the plug-in hybrid Sorento and Sportage at this plant.

The expansion should be complete in time for Kia to begin assembling the EV9 by the spring of 2024. Sean Yoon, the president and CEO of Kia North American and Kia America said about the EV9, “This will be the most sophisticated 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.”

Photo of blue 2024 EV9 GT-Line and closeup of driver side wheel.

Kia’s $200M Investment: Transforming Georgia Plant for EV Tax Credit & Local Economy Boost

With the strategic investment in the Georgia plant, Kia aims to make the 2024 Kia EV9 an exciting addition to the electric vehicle lineup in the United States, contributing to the growth of sustainable transportation and providing American consumers with more options for eco-friendly mobility. By transforming the assembly plant and adding jobs, Kia also demonstrates its commitment to boosting the local economy in West Point, Georgia. The decision to manufacture the EV9 in West Point aligns with the goal of qualifying for the $7,500 tax credit, ensuring the vehicle’s competitiveness in the American market.

The 2024 Kia EV9 promises to be the most sophisticated vehicle ever built by Kia, sharing SUV elements with the award-winning Telluride and offering a capable, high-tech mid-size SUV with elegant interior and exterior styling. As Kia prepares for the spring 2024 launch, anticipation builds for a standout performer in the EV market, proudly assembled in West Point, Georgia, showcasing the automaker’s dedication to providing cutting-edge electric vehicles for consumers.