Kia’s Hwaseong EVO Plant Goes Live—Aiming to Churn Out 100,000 Modular EVs Per Year

Kia just flipped the switch on its futuristic Hwaseong EVO facility—and the auto industry should be nervous. This isn’t just another factory; it’s a modular EV powerhouse designed to pump out 100,000 vehicles annually. Here’s why it matters.

Modular or Bust: Kia’s betting big on flexible platforms. Think Lego-like customization for EVs—faster production, lower costs, and (theoretically) happier shareholders. Wall Street’s already pricing in the hype, naturally.

Scale Meets Speed: With 100,000 units as the target, Kia’s clearly gunning for Tesla’s lunch. No first-mover advantage? No problem—just throw capital at the problem until economies of scale kick in. Classic auto-industry playbook.

The Bottom Line: Another day, another automaker promising to 'revolutionize' EVs. But with legacy players scrambling to stay relevant, Kia’s Hwaseong move might actually be one to watch—or at least until the next shiny factory announcement drops.

TLDRs;

• Kia completes first phase of Hwaseong EVO Plant, aiming to produce 100,000 PV5 modular EVs yearly.
• The two-plant project involves a $2.7B investment and spans 300,000 square meters in Gyeonggi Province.
• The west section, opening in 2027, will assemble larger PBVs with annual output of 150,000 vehicles.
• Kia strengthens modular EV strategy with PBV Conversion Center for specialized model development.

Kia Motors has officially completed the first phase of its highly anticipated Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) factory, dubbed the EVO Plant, in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province.

The new facility represents a major milestone in Kia’s push into modular electric vehicles (EVs) designed for versatile commercial applications. The east section of the plant, now fully operational, will focus on producing the PV5 model, targeting an annual output of 100,000 units.

This strategic initiative forms part of a broader two-plant project, covering approximately 300,000 square meters, with a total investment of around 4 trillion won (US$2.7 billion). The modular EV approach is central to Kia’s long-term plan to offer flexible vehicles that can adapt to various commercial purposes, from urban delivery to specialized service applications.

West Section to Expand Production by 2027

The second phase of the EVO Plant, located on the west side, is scheduled to begin operations in 2027. This section will focus on assembling larger PBVs such as the PV7, with an anticipated annual capacity of 150,000 vehicles.

By gradually scaling production across both plant sections, Kia aims to position itself as a leader in modular EVs not only in South Korea but across global commercial markets.

In addition, Kia plans to operate a PBV Conversion Center within the Hwaseong complex. This facility will enable the development of specialized models in collaboration with partner firms, ensuring a broad and adaptable product lineup. The MOVE signals Kia’s intention to embrace both innovation and collaboration as key drivers of its modular EV strategy.

Strengthening EV Presence in Europe

Kia’s modular EV expansion aligns closely with its ongoing efforts to solidify its footprint in Europe’s growing EV market.

Earlier this year, the company made a high-profile return to the IAA auto fair, showcasing seven new EV models, including the PV5 electric van and the European debut of the EV5 mid-sized SUV.

The company’s compact EV strategy has already yielded strong results, with the EV3 compact SUV achieving nearly 40,000 sales in Europe between January and July 2025. This model accounted for 64% of Kia’s total EV sales in the region, proving the automaker’s focus on smaller, practical vehicles resonates with European consumers.

A Vision for Modular Mobility

Kia’s investment in the Hwaseong EVO Plant represents more than just production capacity, it is a cornerstone of the company’s broader vision for modular mobility.

By creating vehicles that can be tailored for various commercial applications, the automaker is addressing a growing demand for flexible, sustainable transportation solutions.

With the east section now operational and the west section slated for completion in 2027, Kia is positioning itself for long-term growth in the modular EV market. Coupled with its European expansion and strategic EV lineup, the automaker is signaling a comprehensive commitment to electric mobility, innovation, and market leadership.