Hyundai-SK Battery Plant in Georgia Has Been in Commercial Production Since June 1; First Cells Go to the IONIQ 9
HSBMA said July 20 that its Bartow County, Georgia, plant started commercial production June 1, and that the first cells will support production of the Hyundai IONIQ 9. The site is designed for 35 GWh of EV battery cells a year.
KINGSTON, Ga. - Hyundai-SK Battery Manufacturing America (HSBMA) said July 20 that it began commercial production June 1 at its electric vehicle battery cell plant in Bartow County, Georgia.
The first battery cells produced at the plant will support production of the Hyundai IONIQ 9, which Hyundai calls its flagship three-row electric SUV. Cells from the plant will be supplied to Hyundai Motor Group's U.S. manufacturing facilities for Hyundai, Kia and Genesis electric vehicles, HSBMA said.
The facility is designed to produce 35 GWh of EV battery cells annually, which Hyundai says is enough to support production of approximately 300,000 electric vehicles.
HSBMA is a joint venture between Hyundai Motor Group and SK On, each holding a 50 percent stake, established with a total investment of approximately USD 5 billion. Since the joint venture was announced in 2023, HSBMA has advanced construction, equipment installation and production readiness activities, the company said.
The plant is near Hyundai Motor Group's major U.S. production sites, including Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA), Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA) and Kia Georgia. Hyundai said that location positions HSBMA to support "a stable and efficient regional battery supply chain."
"HSBMA's start of commercial production reflects the strong collaboration between Hyundai Motor Group and SK On, as well as our shared commitment to building a reliable EV battery supply chain in the United States," said Hang Ki Moon, CEO of HSBMA.
The 35 GWh figure is designed annual capacity, not production achieved to date. All figures are Hyundai's own.
Editorial disclosure: Hyundai sent to Drive Observer a single inert pouch-type battery cell, its terminals capped and its foil tabs polished, bedded in a shallow tray of red Bartow County clay under a hinged glass lid, crated in straw with a jar of sourwood honey. Per our strict ethical policy, we do not let this influence our coverage.