Georgia’s stake in electric vehicles continues to rise as Georgia Power welcomes Hyundai

Hyundai Motor Group announced last week that it intends to open its first fully dedicated electric vehicle (EV) and battery manufacturing facility for Georgia through a multi-billion dollar project settled in the coastal region and welcomed by Georgia Power.

As a result, the Korea-based Hyundai will invest about $5.54 billion into the smart factory, with the backing of another approximately $1 billion in investments from other suppliers. It will bring around 8,100 jobs, working to produce a range of fully electric vehicles, EV batteries, and related components for sale in the U.S. market. Georgia Power, which has worked hand-in-hand with industry and government to court companies involved in the EV supply chain, welcomed the news.

“Today’s announcement in Bryan County is historic for our state and only possible thanks to the foresight of state and local leaders who recognized the opportunity to create a megasite that could offer unmatched opportunity for an innovative, international manufacturer like Hyundai Motor Group,” Chris Womack, chairman, president and CEO of Georgia Power, and serving on the Georgia Ports Authority Board, said. “On behalf of Georgia Power, we welcome Hyundai Motor Group to Georgia today.”

Georgia Power has also partnered with the University of Georgia’s College of Engineering to create an e-Mobility Certificate program. That training combines engineering, public policy, public health, and general business skills to prepare the state’s workforce for the electric transition of the transportation industry. Likewise, the company is collaborating with Georgia Tech design students to evaluate environmental benefits and workforce opportunities presented by electrification.

“As more and more Georgians choose to drive electric, there is no better market in the country for auto manufacturers, supplier companies, and leaders in technology to collaborate and create the future of the EV marketplace,” Womack said. “We look forward to continuing to work with partners across our state to build the infrastructure necessary to advance the electric transportation ecosystem here in Georgia.”

While forward planning has its place, so too does present action. In that regard, Georgia Power also joined Southern Company and various utilities last year to design a more coordinated network of charging stations across the United States. That effort coalesced into the Electric Highway Coalition, which is focused on increasing charging options along major highway routes from Texas to Washington, D.C.

EV and battery production represented $8 billion of capital investment in Georgia before the Hyundai announcement.