Hyundai Breaks Ground on Montgomery EV Battery Expansion, 1,000 Jobs Coming

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (Day.News) — Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama broke ground Wednesday on a $2 billion expansion at its Montgomery plant to ramp up electric vehicle battery production, creating 1,000 high-paying jobs in the state's capital city. The facility, a cornerstone of Alabama's automotive industry since opening in 2005, already employs about 3,000 workers and produces vehicles like the Santa Fe and Tucson. This expansion positions Montgomery as a key player in the U.S. EV supply chain, building on Hyundai's existing commitment to electrify its lineup, including the electric Genesis GV70 slated for production there since 2023[3]. The project, first reported by WAKA Action 8 News, comes as Hyundai deepens its EV investments across the Southeast. While the company recently announced a separate $2 billion infusion into its Georgia battery joint venture with LG Energy Solution near Savannah — adding 400 jobs there — the Montgomery expansion focuses on battery modules tailored for Hyundai's Alabama-built EVs[1][2][4]. Gov. Kay Ivey's office highlighted a related Hyundai Mobis announcement for a Montgomery EV battery module plant creating 400 jobs, underscoring the company's clustered growth in the region[2]. Production at the expanded site is expected to support Hyundai's goal of 30 GWh annual battery output, enough for hundreds of thousands of EVs[1]. Local impact is immediate and profound. Montgomery Mayor Steven L. Reed joined Hyundai executives, including HMMA President Wonseog Bong, at the groundbreaking, praising the investment for revitalizing the Black Belt economy. The 1,000 jobs — averaging $55,000 annually with benefits — will boost Montgomery County's tax base and train workers through partnerships with Alabama State University and Southern Union State Community College. As the Inflation Reduction Act fuels EV incentives, Hyundai's move aligns with $5.5 billion in prior Georgia commitments, now totaling $7.59 billion region-wide, but keeps Montgomery at Alabama's manufacturing forefront[5]. Alabama Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield noted the state's $1 billion in incentives since 2022 have attracted over $20 billion in auto investments. With Hyundai's expansion, the Montgomery plant's capacity will rise to support 400,000 vehicles yearly, cementing Alabama's role as the nation's top auto exporter[3]. Construction wraps in late 2027, with full operations by 2028.