In a groundbreaking moment, Kia has achieved a significant milestone by producing its first electric three-row SUV, the EV9, in Georgia. This accomplishment marks the first time that an electric vehicle has been assembled entirely in the Peach State.

The EV9 was introduced by Kia in March 2023 and had its initial deliveries in Korea in June of the same year. With a starting price of $54,900 in the US, the EV9 has been hailed as a "wake-up call" for the market by Kia. This sentiment is reflected in the vehicle's impressive sales figures.

Within just 11 months of its market release, the EV9 accounted for a remarkable 81.4% (39,309 units) of Kia's total export sales volume. In fact, the electric SUV constituted a staggering 93% of Kia's exports as of April. Furthermore, the global sales of the EV9 surpassed 48,000 units, and Kia is on track to sell 50,000 models within its first year on the market.

Late last year, the US became Kia's largest market for the EV9, and the demand for this large electric SUV has been consistently strong. With over 5,500 units sold in the first four months of 2024, Kia recorded a surge in monthly EV sales in April, reaching a remarkable 60% increase compared to the previous record set in April 2022.

Considering the successful market reception of the EV9, Kia's decision to commence production in Georgia further bolsters their prospects. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp expressed his excitement about the EV9's assembly in the state during a recent announcement, stating, "I am thrilled to be at Kia's West Point plant today to kick off production of the Kia EV9." Kemp also highlighted the historic significance of this achievement as the first EV to be fully assembled in Georgia.

An additional advantage of producing the EV9 in Georgia is that it is expected to qualify for the $7,500 electric vehicle tax credit due to its domestic manufacturing status. Kia officials have already confirmed the eligibility of the US-made electric SUV for this incentive.

With the EV9's production taking place in Georgia, Kia remains confident that the momentum behind this groundbreaking electric SUV will continue. The fusion of advanced technology, impressive sales numbers, and the availability of attractive incentives positions Kia's EV9 as a frontrunner in the competitive electric vehicle market.