First Hyundai IONIQ 5 Produced in Georgia, Will Join the Waymo Robotaxi Fleet

Hyundai’s new $7.6 billion electric vehicle (EV) plant in Georgia marks a major milestone in the company’s push toward electrification. The plant, located in Bryan County, is now operational, with the first US-made IONIQ 5 rolling off the assembly line. This facility is set to be a key part of Hyundai’s strategy to expand its EV production capacity and meet growing demand in the United States. In Q3 2024, total sales of the IONIQ 5 were up 20% year-to-date (YTD), proving its rapidly expanding market share and popularity in the US.

The exciting IONIQ 5, which has been popular globally for its range, performance, and design, is the first model to be produced at the plant. It’s expected to arrive at US dealerships by the end of 2024.

This factory is also set to produce a range of other EV models in the future, contributing to Hyundai’s goal of producing more than 500,000 EVs annually in the US by 2030. The plant’s opening is a major step forward for both Hyundai and the broader EV industry in the US, as it will also create thousands of jobs.

“After validating its production processes to ensure its vehicles meet Hyundai Motor Group’s high standards, (the Savannah plant) has started initial production of customer vehicles ahead of schedule,” a statement from Hyundai on Friday read (via The Atlanta Journal-Constitution).

Hyundai’s EV Plant in Georgia Officially Opens

Hyundai Motor Group’s Metaplant America (HMGMA) in Bryan County, Georgia, has officially opened, marking a significant step in the company’s push to expand its U.S.-based EV production. After breaking ground on the site in October 2022, Hyundai fast-tracked construction and completed the $7.6 billion plant in just under two years.

The new facility will not only help Hyundai meet growing demand for EVs but also position the company to take advantage of federal tax incentives for U.S.-manufactured electric vehicles. The plant has the capacity to produce up to 300,000 EVs annually and was expected to create more than 8,100 jobs when announced in 2022.

Jobs in Georgia Growing Fast, Thanks to EVs

Georgia is rapidly becoming a hub for electric vehicle (EV) and clean energy industries, with significant investments driving growth and job creation. In addition to Hyundai’s Metaplant in Bryan County, a $5 billion EV battery plant is under construction in Bartow County through a partnership between Hyundai and SK On. This project is expected to create an additional 3,500 jobs, boosting the state’s clean energy workforce.

Georgia’s political leaders, who once opposed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), are now changing their tune. Realizing the fantastic economic growth that EVs and clean energy provide, the state’s economy is now booming, thanks to EV and clean energy investments from the IRA.

Since 2018, more than $28 billion has been invested in Georgia for electric vehicles, batteries, and other sustainable energy projects, attracting over 36,000 new jobs so far. According to a study by the Center for Automotive Research, Hyundai’s investments of over $12.6 billion in electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing in the U.S. are expected to generate over 50,000 new jobs, positioning the company to be a leading provider of EVs in the U.S. This highlights Georgia’s growing role as a major player in the U.S. EV industry. Hyundai has created 4,850 jobs in Georgia as of 2023.

To support this surge in job creation and to ensure a skilled workforce for the evolving automotive sector, the state has collaborated with local universities and technical programs. These institutions are actively training the next generation of auto workers, equipping them with the specialized skills needed for EV manufacturing and related industries.

Hyundai and Waymo Announce Multi-Year, Strategic Partnership

On October 4, 2024, Hyundai Motor Company and Waymo announced forming a multi-year strategic partnership to develop autonomous electric vehicles (EVs). In the first phase of this collaboration, Hyundai will integrate Waymo’s sixth-generation fully autonomous driving technology, known as the Waymo Driver, into its all-electric IONIQ 5 SUV. These specially equipped IONIQ 5 vehicles will eventually join the Waymo One fleet, Waymo’s autonomous ride-hailing service.

The IONIQ 5 units designated for the Waymo fleet will be assembled at Hyundai’s new $7.6 billion Metaplant America (HMGMA) EV manufacturing facility in Georgia. Once built, the vehicles will be outfitted with Waymo’s advanced self-driving technology to support Waymo’s growing fleet of autonomous vehicles.

Hyundai and Waymo plan to produce these Waymo-enabled IONIQ 5s in significant volumes over the next several years, with the goal of scaling up Waymo One’s operations. On-road testing of these autonomous IONIQ 5s is expected to begin by late 2025, with public availability for Waymo One riders to follow in the years after.

“Hyundai and Waymo share a vision to improve the safety, efficiency and convenience of how people move,” said José Muñoz, president and global COO of Hyundai Motor Company, and president and CEO of Hyundai Motor North America. “Waymo’s transformational technology is improving road safety where they operate, and the IONIQ 5 is the ideal vehicle to scale this further. The team at our new manufacturing facility is ready to allocate a significant number of vehicles for the Waymo One fleet as it continues to expand. Importantly, this is the first step in the partnership between the two companies and we are actively exploring additional opportunities for collaboration.”

“We recently announced the launch of Hyundai Motor Company’s autonomous vehicle foundry business to provide global autonomous driving companies with vehicles capable of implementing SAE Level 4 or higher autonomous driving technology,” said Chang Song, President and Head of Hyundai Motor Group’s Advanced Vehicle Platform (AVP) Division. “There is no better partner for our first agreement in this initiative than industry-leader Waymo.”

The Hyundai IONIQ 5, designed for integration into Waymo’s autonomous fleet, will feature specific modifications tailored to accommodate fully autonomous operations. These modifications will include redundant hardware systems to ensure safety and reliability, as well as power doors to facilitate seamless passenger entry and exit without the need for a human driver.

Known for its efficiency and performance, the award-winning IONIQ 5 is ideal for long driving shifts, with the ability to travel substantial distances on a single charge. Its advanced 800-volt architecture allows for ultra-fast charging, significantly reducing downtime and keeping the vehicles in service for extended periods.

The IONIQ 5’s spacious and well-designed interior is another key feature that enhances the rider experience. With generous legroom, headroom, and ample rear cargo space, the vehicle ensures a comfortable and convenient ride for passengers.