Hyundai made some big strides in its shift away from gas-powered vehicles. The manufacturer is looking toward a bright future of producing electric vehicles by breaking ground on a new EV-dedicated plant where they plan to implement new, innovative manufacturing techniques. It won’t be long before this new factory will be producing the new models that will end up at Hyundai dealer near you.
A New Factory, a New Beginning
The new EV plant will be located in Ulsan, South Korea. The $1.52 billion plant will be completely dedicated to the production of electric vehicles, to help with the shift away from gas-powered Hyundai vehicles. The manufacturer plans to start production in the first quarter of 2026, with construction ending in 2025. It is the first new factory to be built in South Korea in almost 30 years and will be a big part of Hyundai’s plan to release 31 new EV vehicles by 2030.
Once the factory is up and running, it will be able to produce up to 200,000 vehicles a year. The first vehicle that will come off the line is an electric SUV from Hyundai’s luxury brand Genesis.
Human-Centered EV Production
The goal of the new plant is to have a human-centered facility that provides the best possible working environment for employees. The factory will have innovative design features, such as maximizing natural light to make it a better place for workers. It will also have a Central Park area that will not only serve as a place where employees can coexist with nature but also a place where employees can go when they want to gather with others or go to rest. In addition to this, as part of the construction process, solar panels and upcycled concrete will be used to help minimize its carbon footprint.
Boosting Output While Cutting Costs
This new Hyundai plant will use a number of new and innovative technologies to not only boost production but also lower carbon emissions with a goal of carbon neutrality. The company plans to create a safer work environment and a more efficient one by using robotics, smart logistics, and artificial intelligence.
The smart logistics system will include automated parts logistics that will use a flexible production system to make it easier to diversify models produced at the factory. This will also make it easy to make adjustments when the market changes and they need to make adjustments to their designs.
A Historic Site for Hyundai
The site of the new plant is on a former proving ground for Hyundai Motors. It was first used in the 1980s when Hyundai was first looking to expand its market overseas. It is the spot where they developed some of the popular models you see at a Hyundai dealer today, including the Sonata, the Elantra, and the Accent.
The site of the new factory is also where Hyundai researched the technology for EVs and developed the beginnings of autonomous driving.
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