All EV Eyes on Bryan County

You might not think much about what’s rolling off the line 20 miles west of Savannah. But odds are, you’ll start seeing a lot more Hyundai IONIQs in your neighborhood—and not just because they’re stylish and quiet. They’re Georgia-made now. And the factory turning them out? At 16 million square feet, Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America is huge and can build a car with a 60-second production speed—aka in less time than it takes to make a cup of coffee.

Hyundai’s new Metaplant in Bryan County is officially open—and it’s got ambitious plans. The Metaplant is Hyundai's first U.S. factory built specifically for electric and hybrid vehicles, and it just happens to be the biggest economic development project Georgia’s ever landed.

This Isn’t Just Big—It’s Massive

With more than $7.6 billion invested so far, Hyundai’s campus is now churning out the all-electric IONIQ 5, with the larger IONIQ 9 SUV coming soon. At full capacity, the plant could build up to half a million vehicles a year.

Already, over 1,200 Georgians have clocked in to work—many from Bryan, Chatham, Bulloch, and Effingham counties—and that number’s expected to grow to 8,500+ in the next few years. Hyundai’s operating on one shift right now and currently hiring its second, with the goal of running 24/7 once expansion plans kick in.

And it’s not just Hyundai. LG Energy Solution is on-site too, providing battery tech to power Hyundai’s long-term EV goals.

So What Does This Mean for Your Corner of GA?

Even if you’re not test-driving an EV anytime soon, this shift is already showing up in everyday Georgia life.

• That sleek SUV in the school pickup line? Probably built right here.
• Local diners, hardware shops, gas stations? They’re already seeing a steady stream of new customers—many with tool belts, name badges, and bright blue Hyundai polos. And with all that extra foot traffic, these spots could be hiring too, so your kid’s summer job might be closer than you think.
• And for college students or young professionals eyeing the auto industry? This plant’s a front-row seat to the future of manufacturing.

And Georgia’s Just Getting Charged Up

The state’s electric vehicle network is growing, from the SK Battery plant in Commerce to Rivian’s future factory in Morgan County. Add in thousands of new public charging stations, strong university R&D, and a few well-placed suppliers, and suddenly Georgia looks a lot like an EV headquarters in the making.

Road to the Future

The next time you see a car gliding by without making a sound, there’s a decent chance it started life on a line in Bryan County. And whether you’re a parts supplier or a curious road tripper, this news has a way of hitting close to home.

Curious who's fueling the future in your part of GA? Browse www.gbj.com/automotive-transportation for Georgia's best auto shops, EV experts, and service pros.