Kia Corporation has officially inaugurated its Gwangmyeong EVO Plant, marking Hyundai Motor Group’s first dedicated electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing facility. Located at Kia Autoland Gwangmyeong, this new South Korean plant boasts an annual production capacity of 150,000 units and commenced production of the Kia EV3 in the first half of this year, with plans to introduce the EV4 in early 2025.
The term “EVO,” derived from “Evolution,” signifies Kia’s commitment to advancing mobility and becoming a leader in the electric vehicle sector. To commemorate the plant’s completion, Kia hosted a ceremony attended by approximately 150 guests, including key figures such as Jun Young Choi, Executive Vice President and Head of Domestic Production Division at Kia; Seung Won Park, Mayor of Gwangmyeong City; and members of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea.
In his welcoming speech, Jun Young Choi emphasized the plant’s role in establishing Kia as an EV leader following its brand relaunch in 2021. He stated, “With the goal of providing sustainable mobility solutions, we will lead innovation in the EV market and fulfill our responsibilities in helping to deliver a sustainable future.”
Mayor Seung Won Park noted the plant’s significance for Gwangmyeong City, asserting that it will help position the city at the center of Korea’s EV industry. He added, “Through this, we will strive to promote the sustainable development of the local economy and create more jobs.”
The Gwangmyeong EVO Plant represents a substantial investment of KRW 401.6 billion over approximately 60,000 square meters, serving as a hub for the production of Kia’s popular EV models. The facility was developed from the original Gwangmyeong Plant 2, which produced small internal combustion engine vehicles since its completion in 1987.
Designed under the theme of “pursuing maximum change through minimal expansion,” the plant incorporates eco-friendly and worker-friendly processes while being mindful of environmental factors and urban green spaces.
Advanced technologies have been implemented to enhance efficiency, including automated guided vehicles (AGVs) for logistics and a new water-based paint application process, which significantly improves the plant’s environmental footprint. Additionally, new equipment has been introduced to assist workers, reducing their workload through automated installation of high-voltage batteries, wheels, and tires.
With the launch of the Gwangmyeong EVO Plant, Kia aims to ramp up its EV production. The mass production of the EV3, Kia’s compact all-electric SUV, began this year, followed by plans for the EV4, a mid-sized electric sedan, set to debut in early 2025. Kia intends to leverage the Gwangmyeong EVO Plant as a key production base for its EV lineup, supporting the company’s ambitious goals in the electric vehicle market.
As Kia moves forward with its electrification strategy, the Gwangmyeong EVO Plant signifies a new era for the company, underscoring its commitment to sustainable mobility and innovation in the automotive industry.
