Kia Opens EVO Plant in Gwangmyeong, South Korea

Kia Gwangmyeong EVO Plant, located at Kia Autoland Gwangmyeong, to mass-produce Kia EV3 and EV4 models

Seoul South Korea- Kia Corporation., has officially opened the Kia Gwangmyeong EVO Plant, the first EV-dedicated facility under Hyundai Motor Group. Located at Kia Autoland Gwangmyeong in South Korea, the plant has an annual capacity of 150,000 units. Production of the Kia EV3 began earlier this year, with the EV4 set to launch in early 2025. The EVO Plant, short for ‘Evolution,’ symbolizes Kia’s commitment to leading the future of mobility. 

To celebrate the completion of the project, Kia hosted around 150 guests during a ceremony at the new Kia Gwangmyeong EVO Plant, including Jun Young Choi, Executive Vice President and Head of Domestic Production Division at Kia; Seung Won Park, Mayor of Gwangmyeong City; and O Kyeong Lim and Nam Hee Kim, Members of the 22nd National Assembly of the Republic of Korea. 

Mr. Jun Young Choi, Executive Vice President and Head of Domestic Production Division at Kia, during a welcoming speech at the event, “The completion of the Kia Gwangmyeong EVO Plant solidifies Kia’s first step as an EV leader following the company’s brand relaunch in 2021. With the goal of providing sustainable mobility solutions, we will lead innovation in the EV market and fulfil our responsibilities in helping to deliver a sustainable future”. 

Mr. Seung Won Park, Mayor of Gwangmyeong City, said, “The completion of the Kia Gwangmyeong EVO Plant will help Gwangmyeong City to establish itself at the center of the EV industry in Korea. Through this we will strive to promote sustainable development of the local economy and create more jobs." 

To meet rising global EV demand, Kia has been preparing its global facilities for EV production. The new Gwangmyeong EVO Plant, a dedicated EV facility, was built with a KRW 401.6 billion investment over 60,000 square meters. It serves as a key production hub for Kia's EV models. Previously, the site produced small internal combustion vehicles like the Kia Pride and Avella since 1987, but has now been transformed into Hyundai Motor Group’s first dedicated EV plant, symbolizing its shift toward next-generation mobility. 

The Kia Gwangmyeong EVO Plant embraces the theme of "maximum change through minimal expansion," considering its city-center location and environmental factors like green space preservation. Built with electrification in mind, it focuses on eco-friendly and worker-friendly processes. The body shop features high-tech automation with AGV forklifts, while the paint shop now uses a greener water-based 3C1B method. New equipment also improves employee well-being by automating tasks like installing high-voltage batteries and tires. 

After the completion ceremony of the Gwangmyeong EVO Plant, Kia will increase EV production. Mass production of the EV3, a compact all-electric SUV, began in early 2024. The EV3 follows the Kia EV6, launched in 2021, and the EV9 flagship SUV, launched in 2023. In the first half of 2025, Kia will introduce the EV4, a mid-sized electric sedan. The Gwangmyeong EVO Plant will serve as a key production hub for the EV3, EV4, and other models, with a capacity of 150,000 units annually.