Where Are Hyundai Electric Cars Made Discover the Global Production Hubs

Hyundai electric cars are primarily manufactured in South Korea, with key production hubs like the Ulsan plant leading global output. The brand also builds EVs in the U.S. (Georgia’s new Metaplant) and Europe (Czech Republic) to meet regional demand, leveraging local supply chains. This global strategy ensures Hyundai delivers cutting-edge EVs while supporting sustainability goals.

Key Takeaways

• Hyundai’s main EV hub: Ulsan, South Korea produces most models like Kona Electric.
• U.S. production: Georgia plant will build IONIQ 5 and future EVs for North America.
• European focus: No local EV plants yet; models imported from Asia and soon, the U.S.
• China’s role: Beijing Hyundai makes EVs locally for the Chinese market only.
• Global supply chain: Batteries and parts sourced worldwide, affecting final assembly locations.

Where Are Hyundai Electric Cars Made? Discover the Global Production Hubs

Hyundai Motor Company has rapidly evolved from a regional automaker into a global powerhouse in electric mobility, reshaping the future of transportation with cutting-edge electric vehicles (EVs) like the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, and Kona Electric. As the world shifts toward sustainability, consumers and industry watchers alike are asking: Where are Hyundai electric cars made? The answer is far more complex than a single factory or country. Hyundai’s EV production spans continents, leveraging a network of advanced manufacturing facilities, strategic partnerships, and localized supply chains to meet rising global demand.

This comprehensive guide dives deep into Hyundai’s global footprint, uncovering the key production hubs responsible for crafting its electric vehicles. From South Korea’s high-tech Ulsan complex to new battery gigafactories in the U.S., we’ll explore how Hyundai is building EVs not just for today, but for a carbon-neutral tomorrow. Whether you’re a prospective EV buyer, an investor, or simply curious about automotive innovation, understanding Hyundai’s manufacturing strategy reveals how the company balances quality, scalability, and sustainability in the competitive EV landscape.

South Korea: The Birthplace of Hyundai’s EV Revolution

Ulsan: Hyundai’s Flagship EV Production Hub

At the heart of Hyundai’s electric vehicle production lies the Ulsan Industrial Complex in South Korea—a sprawling 5.1 million square meter facility often described as the “Detroit of Asia.” Established in 1968, Ulsan is Hyundai’s largest manufacturing site and the birthplace of its EV ambitions. Since 2021, the Ulsan plant has been retooled and expanded to produce Hyundai’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) vehicles, including the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6.

The transformation of Ulsan into an EV-centric factory involved a $1.2 billion investment to upgrade robotics, battery integration systems, and flexible assembly lines. The facility now features over 1,200 industrial robots, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and AI-powered quality control systems. For example, the Ioniq 5’s 800V ultra-fast charging architecture is assembled with precision robotics that ensure consistent battery pack sealing and wiring integrity—critical for performance and safety.

Fun fact: Ulsan produces over 1,500 EVs per day, with a single line capable of switching between different E-GMP models within minutes, showcasing Hyundai’s modular manufacturing agility.

Asan Plant: Supporting EV Component Manufacturing

While Ulsan handles final assembly, the nearby Asan Plant plays a crucial role in Hyundai’s EV supply chain. This facility specializes in producing high-voltage components such as inverters, motors, and power electronics—core elements of Hyundai’s E-GMP platform. The Asan plant uses advanced semiconductor testing and thermal management systems to ensure reliability under extreme conditions.

Hyundai’s decision to localize component manufacturing in South Korea reduces dependency on external suppliers and shortens lead times. For instance, the Ioniq 6’s 320kW rear motor is assembled and tested in Asan, where engineers use laser alignment and vibration analysis to achieve 97% energy efficiency. This vertical integration strategy not only improves quality but also enables faster innovation cycles.

Research & Development Synergy

South Korea’s EV ecosystem extends beyond factories. Hyundai’s Namyang R&D Center, located just 50 km from Ulsan, serves as the innovation engine behind its electric vehicles. Here, engineers develop next-gen battery chemistries, autonomous driving software, and aerodynamic designs. The Ioniq 5’s “Parametric Pixel” lighting and 3.6 kW vehicle-to-load (V2L) system were both prototyped and validated at Namyang.

Proximity between R&D and manufacturing allows Hyundai to implement rapid design changes. When the Ioniq 5’s battery cooling system required optimization for European winter conditions, engineers in Namyang collaborated with Ulsan production teams within days—a process that could take months in a less integrated setup.

Europe: Localizing Production for Market Access and Sustainability

Nošovice, Czech Republic: Serving the EU Market

To meet growing demand in Europe and avoid import tariffs, Hyundai opened a dedicated EV production line at its Nošovice plant in the Czech Republic in 2023. This €1.2 billion expansion marks Hyundai’s first major EV manufacturing footprint outside Asia. The facility currently produces the Kona Electric and Ioniq 5, with plans to add the Ioniq 6 and a future B-segment EV by 2025.

The Nošovice plant uses 100% renewable energy—primarily wind and solar—and incorporates a closed-loop water recycling system, reducing environmental impact. Hyundai partnered with local suppliers for 78% of components, including battery packs from SK On’s nearby factory in Ivákovice. This localization strategy cuts transportation emissions by 40% compared to shipping EVs from South Korea.

Tip for EU buyers: Vehicles built in Nošovice may qualify for additional regional incentives, such as Germany’s €6,750 EV subsidy, which requires at least 50% local content. Always verify the “Made in EU” label when purchasing.

Battery Partnerships: SK On and LG Energy Solution

Hyundai’s European EV success hinges on its battery supply chain. The company has forged strategic alliances with South Korea’s SK On and LG Energy Solution (LGES) to secure localized battery production. SK On’s €1.5 billion gigafactory in Ivákovice, Czech Republic (operational since 2023), supplies 60 kWh NCM811 battery packs for the Kona Electric, while LGES’s Wrocław plant in Poland provides 77.4 kWh packs for the Ioniq 5.

These partnerships enable Hyundai to meet the European Union’s battery passport requirements, which mandate carbon footprint tracking and recycled material content (minimum 16% cobalt, 6% lithium by 2030). For example, the Ioniq 5’s battery in Europe contains 20% recycled nickel and is certified under the ISO 14067 standard.

Future Expansion: The “European EV Hub” Vision

Hyundai plans to transform its Czech operations into a European EV Hub by 2027. This includes a second production line for E-GMP vehicles, a battery recycling facility in cooperation with Northvolt, and a regional logistics center. The goal is to produce 300,000 EVs annually in Europe, capturing 8% of the EU’s EV market.

North America: A Strategic Shift Toward U.S. Manufacturing

Montgomery, Alabama: First U.S. EV Assembly Line

In a landmark move, Hyundai opened its first U.S.-based EV assembly line at the Montgomery plant in Alabama in 2023. This $3.5 billion investment—Hyundai’s largest outside South Korea—marks a strategic pivot to localize production in the world’s second-largest EV market. The facility currently manufactures the Ioniq 5 and will add the Ioniq 7 (a 3-row SUV) and Genesis Electrified GV70 by 2025.

The Montgomery plant uses Hyundai’s “Smart Factory 4.0” technology, featuring AI-driven predictive maintenance, real-time quality analytics, and a fully automated battery installation system. It sources 65% of components from U.S. suppliers, including steel from Nucor, aluminum from Novelis, and electronics from Aptiv.

Key benefit for U.S. buyers: EVs assembled in Alabama qualify for the full $7,500 federal tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which requires final assembly in North America. However, battery components must meet additional sourcing rules—a challenge Hyundai is addressing through its new battery plants.

Georgia: The Future of Battery Production

Hyundai’s most ambitious U.S. project is the $5.5 billion battery gigafactory in Bryan County, Georgia, developed in partnership with LG Energy Solution. Scheduled to open in 2025, this facility will produce 30 GWh of lithium-ion batteries annually—enough for 300,000 EVs. The plant will use 100% renewable energy from Georgia Power and incorporate advanced dry-coating technology to reduce water usage by 80%.

The Georgia battery plant will supply cells for Hyundai’s Montgomery-assembled vehicles, enabling compliance with IRA’s “battery component” and “critical mineral” requirements. For example, the Ioniq 5’s battery will use nickel from U.S. mines and cobalt from Canada, both IRA-compliant regions.

Chattanooga, Tennessee: Kia’s Role in the Hyundai Ecosystem

While not a Hyundai plant, Kia’s Chattanooga facility plays a critical role in the Hyundai Motor Group’s U.S. EV strategy. This factory produces the Kia EV6 (a sister model to the Ioniq 5) and will begin manufacturing the EV9 in 2024. Shared E-GMP platforms allow Hyundai and Kia to achieve economies of scale, with both brands sharing battery and motor technology.

Hyundai and Kia are investing $10.5 billion in U.S. EV and battery production by 2030, aiming to capture 12% of the North American EV market.

Emerging Markets: India, Indonesia, and Beyond

Chennai, India: A Gateway to South Asia

Hyundai’s Chennai plant in India is being upgraded to produce EVs for the South Asian market. Starting in 2024, the facility will assemble the Kona Electric and a future sub-4-meter EV tailored for Indian consumers. The plant will use locally sourced components, including batteries from Tata AutoComp, to reduce costs.

Hyundai is also exploring a battery assembly plant in India with Exide Industries, aiming to localize 40% of battery components by 2026. This aligns with India’s Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, which offers 18% subsidies for domestic EV manufacturing.

Cikarang, Indonesia: Southeast Asia’s EV Hub

Indonesia, rich in nickel reserves, is a key market for Hyundai’s EV expansion. The company operates a manufacturing plant in Cikarang, West Java, which began producing the Ioniq 5 in 2023. Hyundai has partnered with LG Energy Solution to build a $1.1 billion battery plant in Karawang, targeting 10 GWh annual capacity by 2025.

This vertical integration—from nickel mining (via a joint venture with LG and POSCO) to battery and vehicle production—positions Indonesia as Hyundai’s Southeast Asian EV hub. The Ioniq 5 built in Cikarang uses Indonesian nickel and qualifies for ASEAN free-trade benefits, reducing prices by 15% compared to imports.

Future Prospects: Brazil and Mexico

Hyundai is evaluating EV production in Brazil and Mexico to serve Latin American markets. Brazil’s “Rota 2030” policy offers tax breaks for automakers using local components, while Mexico’s proximity to the U.S. makes it ideal for IRA-compliant exports. A decision on these facilities is expected by 2025.

Sustainability and Innovation: The Backbone of Hyundai’s EV Strategy

Carbon-Neutral Manufacturing Goals

Hyundai aims to achieve carbon neutrality across its global operations by 2045. Key initiatives include:

• 100% renewable energy at all plants by 2030
• Water recycling systems (e.g., Ulsan saves 1.2 million tons annually)
• Waste-to-energy programs (e.g., Nošovice converts 95% of waste to energy)
• Green hydrogen trials for forklifts and transport

Advanced Manufacturing Technologies

Hyundai’s “Smart Factory” concept integrates:

• Digital Twins: Virtual replicas of factories for real-time optimization
• AI Quality Control: Cameras and sensors detect 99.8% of defects
• Modular Production: Lines adapt to new models in under 24 hours
• Blockchain Tracking: Monitors battery component origins for compliance

Battery Innovation and Recycling

Hyundai’s HMG Global Battery Center in South Korea develops next-gen batteries, including:

• Solid-state batteries (target: 2030 launch)
• Low-cobalt NCM chemistry (reducing cobalt use by 50%)
• Second-life battery applications (e.g., grid storage)

Global Production Data: A Snapshot of Hyundai’s EV Footprint

Region	Facility	EV Models Produced	Annual Capacity	Key Features	Opening Year
South Korea	Ulsan Plant	Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, Kona Electric	300,000	E-GMP platform, 1,200 robots, AI QC	2021 (EV line)
Europe	Nošovice, Czech Republic	Ioniq 5, Kona Electric	200,000	100% renewable energy, EU localization	2023
North America	Montgomery, Alabama	Ioniq 5, Ioniq 7 (2025)	300,000	IRA tax credit eligible, Smart Factory 4.0	2023
North America	Bryan County, Georgia (Battery)	Batteries for Ioniq 5/7	30 GWh	LG partnership, dry-coating tech	2025 (planned)
Asia	Cikarang, Indonesia	Ioniq 5	50,000	Local nickel, ASEAN trade benefits	2023
Asia	Chennai, India	Kona Electric, future model	70,000	PLI scheme, Tata battery supply	2024 (planned)

Conclusion: A Global Vision, Locally Executed

Hyundai’s electric vehicle production is a masterclass in global-local integration. From the high-tech Ulsan plant in South Korea to the renewable-powered Nošovice factory in Europe and the IRA-compliant Montgomery facility in the U.S., Hyundai has built a manufacturing network that prioritizes quality, sustainability, and market responsiveness. The company’s strategy—producing EVs close to major markets, partnering with local suppliers, and investing in cutting-edge technology—ensures it remains a leader in the EV race.

For consumers, this global footprint means greater access to Hyundai EVs, competitive pricing (thanks to local incentives), and vehicles tailored to regional needs. For the planet, it means reduced carbon emissions from transportation and a commitment to circular economy principles. As Hyundai expands into India, Indonesia, and beyond, its vision is clear: to make electric mobility not just innovative, but inclusive and sustainable worldwide.

The next time you see an Ioniq 5 on the road, remember: it might have been assembled in Alabama, powered by a Czech-made battery, and designed in South Korea—all part of Hyundai’s bold, global electric future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are Hyundai electric cars made for the global market?

Hyundai electric cars are primarily manufactured in South Korea, with key production hubs like the Ulsan plant handling most global exports. Additional localized production occurs in China, the Czech Republic, and soon in the USA to meet regional demand.

Which Hyundai EV models are made in the USA?

Starting in 2024, Hyundai will produce the IONIQ 5 and upcoming IONIQ 9 at its new $5.5 billion EV plant in Georgia, USA. This facility marks Hyundai’s first dedicated electric vehicle factory in North America.

Are all Hyundai electric cars made in South Korea?

No, while South Korea remains Hyundai’s main production base for EVs like the IONIQ 6, the brand has expanded manufacturing to Europe (Czech Republic) and China for regional markets. Future production will include the USA and India.

Where are Hyundai Kona Electric cars made?

The Hyundai Kona Electric is produced in multiple locations, including South Korea (Ulsan) and the Czech Republic (Nošovice) for European customers. This dual-site production helps reduce delivery times across continents.

Does Hyundai make electric cars in Europe?

Yes, Hyundai produces select EVs like the Kona Electric at its Nošovice plant in the Czech Republic. This European facility helps serve EU markets more efficiently with lower shipping costs.

Where are Hyundai electric cars made for the Chinese market?

Hyundai manufactures EVs like the IONIQ 5 and Mufasa EV at its Beijing Hyundai plant in China. These locally produced vehicles are tailored to meet Chinese consumer preferences and regulations.