News Summary
Hyundai Motor Company has announced plans to expand its electric vehicle (EV) production and hydrogen infrastructure in Ellabell, Georgia. With an investment of $2.7 billion, the company aims to produce 500,000 hybrid and electric vehicles by 2028 at its plant. This expansion is expected to create around 3,000 jobs in the region. A virtual public meeting will discuss EV infrastructure in Chatham County, focusing on charging solutions and training. Additionally, Hyundai plans to establish a hydrogen production facility to support zero-emission logistics, marking a significant step toward sustainable transportation.
Ellabell, Georgia – Hyundai Motor Company has unveiled significant plans to expand its electric vehicle (EV) production and hydrogen infrastructure in Georgia. As part of their ambitious Phase 2 production goals, they aim to manufacture 500,000 hybrid and electric vehicles by 2028 at their Ellabell plant, following an initial investment of $5.5 billion. This expansion, with a further investment of $2.7 billion, is projected to create approximately 3,000 direct and indirect jobs in the region.
A virtual public meeting is scheduled for Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. in Chatham County, aimed at discussing the future of electric vehicle infrastructure in the area. Participants will have the opportunity to provide input on the plan’s priorities, focusing on creating accessible charging solutions and establishing a roadmap for EV infrastructure training. Registration is required to attend the meeting.
Details on Hyundai’s Production Goals
The Ellabell plant currently manufactures the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 9 models, with Hyundai planning the production of a total of ten hybrid and electric vehicle models at the site. The facility, which operates as the largest single economic development project in Georgia’s history, has the potential to increase its production capacity from the initially planned 300,000 vehicles annually to 500,000 vehicles.
Despite a recent Homeland Security and ICE raid at the HL-GA Battery Company that resulted in the removal of approximately 475 workers, Hyundai has stated that vehicle production is not expected to be adversely affected. As of March 24, over 1,200 employees have been hired at the plant, which is currently operational on one shift, with a goal to eventually run 24/7. There are expectations for continued hiring as production needs grow.
Tax Credits and Affordability Initiatives
Hyundai is aware of the impending expiration of a $7,500 tax credit for new electric vehicles and a $4,000 credit for used EVs on September 30, following new legislation. In response to this, the company is actively developing technologies designed to lower upfront costs for consumers, thereby fostering greater adoption of electric vehicles. Federal funds aimed at expanding the EV charging network, previously frozen by the previous administration, have now been released, which may further improve infrastructure accessibility.
Hydrogen Production Plans
In addition to its electric vehicle initiatives, Hyundai has announced plans for a hydrogen production and dispensing facility, named HTWO Energy Savannah. This facility is set to begin operations in late Fall 2025 and will be located approximately ten miles from the Port of Savannah. The HTWO Energy Savannah facility aims to support zero-emission truck operations and will have a scalable hydrogen production capacity, initially generating 1,200 kilograms of hydrogen per day, with the potential to expand to 4,200 kilograms in the future.
This hydrogen station is anticipated to serve as a pioneering model for zero-emission logistics, receiving support from local leaders and organizations committed to sustainable practices.
Hyundai’s Economic Impact
Hyundai’s operations in the United States currently contribute $20.1 billion annually to the economy and support approximately 190,000 jobs. As part of the company’s global growth strategy, they aim to sell 5.55 million cars worldwide by 2030. Their approach includes offering a diverse range of vehicles including internal combustion engines, hybrids, and plug-in hybrids, to meet various customer demands.
The joint venture between Hyundai and LG Energy Solution focuses on battery technology and is expected to create a total of approximately 8,500 jobs overall within the trust framework of their production strategy.
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Additional Resources
- Savannah Now: Hyundai Plant in Ellabell
- Google Search: Hyundai EV production plans
- WTOC: Local Leaders Discuss EV Manufacturing
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Electric Vehicles
- Modern Luxury: Auto SCAD
- Google News: Hyundai expansion Georgia
- Business Insider: Hyundai Metaplant Georgia
- Hyundai News: Expansion Plans
- Charged EVs: HTWO Energy Facility
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
