It appears that South Korean automaker Kia is taking some steps to ensure that its EV9 all-electric SUV will qualify for the full $7,500 federal tax credit in the United States next year.
As noted in a Nikkei Asia report, Kia is poised to start the production of the EV9 in the United States by May 2024. Currently, production of the EV9 is in South Korea, but Kia is looking to start manufacturing the all-electric SUV at its West Point, Georgia plant. James Bell, head of corporate communications at Kia America noted that EV9 production should begin by the end of May at the Georgia facility.
By producing the EV9 in Georgia, the all-electric SUV could qualify for a partial EV tax credit. As noted in a previous Automotive News report, this was because the EV9 units that would be produced in the United States would use battery components that are sourced through Hyundai Mobis from an existing Hyundai Motor Group facility or an external supplier.
Considering the Kia executive’s comments in the recent Nikkei report, it would appear that the South Korean automaker’s Georgia plant would go through a transition period so that it could start using batteries for the EV9 that are locally sourced and assembled. By doing so, the Kia EV9 could qualify for the full $7,500 federal tax credit in the United States. The publication noted that Kia is expected to achieve this milestone early next year.
The Kia EV9 is arguably one of the best non-Tesla electric cars in the market today. The vehicle is equipped with a 99.8 kWh battery that could provide up to 304 miles of EPA-estimated range. The vehicle also features 400-volt and 800-volt ultra-fast charging systems and vehicle-to-load technology. So far, the EV9 has even quite successful, with the vehicle recently winning the World Car of the Year and World Electric Vehicle of the Year award at the New York International Auto Show.
Don’t hesitate to contact us with news tips. Just send a message to simon@teslarati.com to give us a heads up.
