Automakers love making wild promises when it comes to EVs, but it appears that Kia might be one of the few that can keep them. Kia and Hyundai’s shared 'Metaplant' battery and EV plant in Georgia plant is nearly online. Similarly, the automaker expects to get one of its most important models, the EV9, on factory lines at its existing West Point, Georgia factory as soon as this May. Currently, the EV9 is made in South Korea and shipped over to the US.
But, Kia says the new manufacturing plant will include an EV battery facility. It will go online a bit later, but when it does, the EV9 should qualify for the full $7,500 tax credit. Kia expects the EV9 to qualify for the full credit by 2025. Kia fully expects to slot the EV9 right into place this coming May. Bell says that the $200 million addition to its West Point, Georgia plant is 100% on time.