Ben Klayman, Heekyong Yan

SEOUL/DETROIT (Reuters] – Hyundai Motor Co. plans to unveil a new American electric-vehicle-vehicle-manufacturing plant. The Korean automaker, as well as people familiar with its plans, said that they have been in talks to construct a Georgia-based facility.

Hyundai Motor stated that it was excited to unveil a new EV plant in America soon. However, details are not available at the moment.

Three people familiar with the discussions told Reuters that Hyundai had been in advance talks with Georgian officials in order to construct a dedicated EV plant in Georgia. The details of the investment including the projected cost and expected number of jobs were not available immediately.

The new Georgia EV facility, if it is finalized, would serve both Hyundai and Kia as the brands move to roll out a pair of fully electric SUVs – the Ioniq 7 and EV9 – aimed at the U.S. market, the three people with knowledge of the plans told Reuters.

Unfortunately, representatives of Georgia’s Economic Development Authorities could not immediately be reached for comment.

Hyundai announced a deal to invest in the country at a time President Joe Biden’s administration has been advocating for greater investment in EVs, related suppliers and jobs. This would be a significant economic development victory for Georgia which is trying to become a regional center for emerging EV industries.

Another person who knows the plan said that Hyundai had worked to reveal its U.S. investment for EV manufacturing at some point later this month in time to coincide Biden’s scheduled visit to Seoul.

Hyundai made a $300-million investment in its Alabama plant last month. It plans to make the all electric Genesis GV 70, and a hybrid Santa Fe. Hyundai’s Genesis model will be the first EV manufactured in the United States.

Hyundai commented to Reuters that the company was about to announce a new EV plant site.

Last month, Kia Hyundai affiliated also stated that it is looking at shifting production to the United States. However, Kia was not interested in a dedicated electric vehicle factory.

Kia stated that it would have 14 EVs within 2027. Hyundai says it will produce 17 electric vehicles by 2030. This includes six to be used for luxury Genesis brands.

SK Innovation, Hyundai’s supplier of battery, just constructed two new plants in Georgia. Production of the first plant, which supplies mainly Volkswagen AG (OTC): began in the first quarter. Production of the second battery, which supplies batteries to Ford Motor (NYSE 🙂 Co., will begin in early 2013.

SK On will provide the battery for Ioniq 7. A person who has knowledge of the contract said to Reuters. SK On stated that it is unable to comment on specific customer supply agreements.

Biden will travel to South Korea for talks with Yoon Suk-yeol (incoming South Korean president), who advocates steps to strengthen South Korea’s ties to the United States.

Biden has stated that the administration will provide more than $3B in infrastructure funding for electric vehicle manufacturing. Biden has stated that electric cars will make up 50% of the vehicles sold in America by 2030.

Another Asian company that has announced plans to construct U.S. batteries plants is Korea’s LG Energy Solution (KS:), SDI.

Reuters published an earlier report this month saying that CATL was the largest global battery producer and was seeking to establish battery plants. These would be used by Ford and BMW AG, with possible sites in South Carolina, and Kentucky.

According to South Korean media, Yoon will take office Tuesday. He would also be accompanying leaders from top South Korean conglomerates, such as Hyundai Motor and SK, to talk about investment in America.

Yoon spokeswoman denied Monday that the plan was as stated.