Kia held an opening ceremony for its first EV-only plant, “EVO,” as it looks to establish itself as a leading electric vehicle maker. Kia’s new low-cost EV3 and EV4 models are the first electric cars scheduled for mass production. The new facility will kick off a new era for Kia, with the capacity to build 150,000 EVs annually.
Kia opens its first EV-only plant to boost output
The EVO Plant is the Hyundai Motor Group’s first EV-only plant. Kia held the completion ceremony on Friday at Autoland Gwangmyeong in South Korea.
“The completion of the Kia Gwangmyeong EVO Plant marks the first step for Kia to become a leading electric vehicle brand,” Kia’s CEO, Choi Joon-young, said at the event. Kia will use the facility to boost the output of its next-gen electric vehicles.
With the EV3 already in mass production, Kia is preparing to “show you a new history of electric vehicles.”
After opening EV3 pre-orders in Korea in June, starting at just $30,700 (KRW 42.08 million), Kia’s compact electric SUV secured over 10,000 reservations in just 23 days. The company is already calling the EV3 a “game-changer” in its home market.
In Europe, the Kia’s new EV starts at around $40,000 (36,0000 euros) with up to 372 miles (599 km) WLTP range.
The EV3 is Kia’s third dedicated all-electric vehicle, following the EV6 sedan and three-row EV9 SUV.
“A new history of electric vehicles”
In the first half of 2025, Kia will begin building its first compact electric sedan, the EV4. According to Kia, the EV4 is an “entirely new type of EV sedan. “
Like the EV3, Kia’s smaller electric sedan will pull much of the design and tech from its flagship EV9.
We’ve already caught a glimpse of the EV4 after it was spotted in Europe testing in July. Last month, a hatchback model was also caught testing, likely aimed at the European market (you can see the video here).
The EV4 is expected to start in the $35,000 to $40,000 price range, with deliveries scheduled for next year.
| Kia EV3 trim | Range | Starting Price | Starting Price After Incentives |
| Standard | 217 mi (350 km) | $30,700 (KRW 42.08 million) | $29,200 (KRW 39.95 million) |
| Earth | Standard: 217 mi (350 km) Long Range: 311 mi (501 km) |
$33,400 (KRW 45.71 million) | N/A |
| GT Line | Standard: 217 mi (350 km) Long Range: 311 mi (501 km) |
$34,100 (KRW 46.66 million) | N/A |
| Long Range | 311 mi (501 km) | $34,100 (KRW 46.66 million) | $32,200 (KRW 44.15) |
A Kia official said the “EV3 and EV4 will play a very important role in popularizing electric vehicles.” They added, “We will show you a new history of electric vehicles at the Gwangmyeong EVO Plant.”
Kia will use its new EVO plant as a key production base. It will have the capacity to build 150,000 EVs annually.
As early as next month, Hyundai will open its massive new $7.6 billion Metaplant America (HMGMA) in Georgia. The facility just secured its 18th supplier this week as it builds an extensive US network.
The first vehicle to roll off the assembly line will be the new 2025 IONIQ 5 with more range and a Tesla NACS charging port. Hyundai’s first three-row electric SUV, the IONIQ 9, will also make its first appearance later this year.
To further reduce EV costs, Hyundai and Kia launched a new LFP battery project this week to develop new battery materials for safer, lower-priced electric vehicles.
Source: Hyundai Motor Group