ELLABELL, Ga. - Hyundai Motor Group is making significant progress on its first-ever U.S. electric vehicle (EV) plant, located in Georgia. The expansive site, resembling a small city with cranes, bulldozers, and construction workers, has seen steady growth over the past year, with over 2,000 people working on the project weekly.

The $7.6 billion Hyundai factory, known as the American "metaplant," is dedicated to the production of EVs. Oscar Kwon, CEO of Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, stated that the site is advancing daily, with production expected to begin in early 2025, if not sooner.

Recent comments from Hyundai President and Global Chief Operating Officer, Jose Munoz, revealed that the construction has been accelerated to take advantage of federal incentives that encourage domestic EV production. Munoz even hinted that the plant might commence operations before the end of next year.

Officials present at the construction site reported that the foundation work for the factory's main production buildings is nearly complete, with over 80% of the steel framework finished, amounting to more than 27,000 tons (24,490 metric tons). Furthermore, some buildings already have roofs and floors, and exterior wall panels have begun installation.

Trip Tollison, President and CEO of the Savannah Area Economic Development Authority, expressed astonishment at the progress made in just one year. Tollison praised the collaborative efforts of local agencies and state officials, who worked tirelessly to entice Hyundai to choose Georgia as the location for their EV plant.

Spanning over 2,900 acres (1,170 hectares) parallel to Interstate 16, the Hyundai plant plans to manufacture 300,000 EVs annually. The site will also serve as a battery production facility, as Hyundai partners with LG Energy Solution to power their vehicles.

During a recent preview of the finished plant, Hyundai revealed some notable features, such as ample windows and skylights to maximize natural lighting, a large covered parking lot topped with solar panels, and a glass-sided elevated bridge for viewing unfinished cars as they move between the paint shop and the assembly plant.

Upon completion, the Hyundai EV plant is set to employ approximately 8,500 workers. Additionally, the presence of supplier businesses in nine Georgia counties surrounding the plant is expected to create an additional 6,000 jobs, making it the largest economic development project in the state's history.

The substantial incentive package offered to Hyundai by state and local governments, totaling $2.1 billion in tax breaks, played a crucial role in attracting the automaker to Georgia. Pat Wilson, Georgia's economic development commissioner, estimates that the direct payroll by Hyundai over the next decade will reach $4.7 billion. Hyundai has committed to pay its workers an average annual salary of $58,105, coupled with benefits.

With its progressive approach, Hyundai's investment in the U.S. electric vehicle market is poised to boost the EV industry in Georgia while bolstering the state's economy in the years to come.