Kia Gwangmyeong EVO Plant Launches as a Pioneer in Electric Vehicle Manufacturing
Kia Corporation has officially opened the Kia Gwangmyeong EVO Plant, Hyundai Motor Group's inaugural dedicated EV manufacturing facility.
Situated at Kia Autoland Gwangmyeong, this state-of-the-art South Korean facility boasts an annual production capacity of 150,000 units. It commenced production with the Kia EV3 earlier this year and will introduce the EV4 in early 2025. Named after the concept of 'Evolution', the Kia Gwangmyeong EVO Plant symbolises Kia's commitment to ongoing innovation and leadership in the future of mobility.
The inauguration was marked by a ceremony attended by approximately 150 guests, including Kia’s Executive Vice President Jun Young Choi, Gwangmyeong City Mayor Seung Won Park, and members of the 22nd National Assembly of the Republic of Korea, O Kyeong Lim and Nam Hee Kim.
Jun Young Choi stated during the event, “The Kia Gwangmyeong EVO Plant launch underscores our initial steps as an EV leader following our brand's relaunch in 2021. Aiming to deliver sustainable mobility solutions, we are set to spearhead innovations in the EV sector and contribute to a sustainable future."
Mayor Seung Won Park added, "The new facility will position Gwangmyeong City as a central player in Korea’s EV industry. This will further enhance sustainable local economic development and generate additional employment opportunities."
Kia is adapting flexibly to the evolving global demand for EVs, having prepared its international facilities for increased EV production. The Gwangmyeong EVO Plant, which required an investment of KRW 401.6 billion over 60,000 square meters, is dedicated solely to EVs and will primarily produce Kia’s popular EV models.
Previously a factory for small combustion engine vehicles, Gwangmyeong Plant 2 was transformed into a hub for next-generation vehicle production within a year. The plant operates under the principle of ‘maximum change through minimal expansion’, reflecting its urban location and environmental considerations, including preserving green spaces.
The facility is designed with a focus on eco-friendliness and employee welfare. Upgrades include an automated body shop with guided forklifts and a greener paint shop utilising water-based painting methods. Furthermore, new equipment has been introduced to enhance employee well-being and reduce workloads, such as machines automatically installing high-voltage batteries, wheels, and tyres.
Following the plant’s completion ceremony, Kia is set to accelerate its EV production. The EV3, a compact all-electric SUV, began mass production in the first half of this year. It is preceded by the Kia EV6, followed by the Kia EV9, Kia’s all-electric flagship SUV launched in 2023. The introduction of the mid-sized EV4 sedan is slated for the first half of 2025.
The Kia Gwangmyeong EVO Plant is poised to become a pivotal production base for Kia’s high-quality EV models, heralding a new chapter in the company’s journey towards electrification.
