- Kia EV9 American production is being cut
- 2025 EV9s assembled in the US qualify for $3,750 in federal EV tax credits
- The 2025 Kia EV9 costs $56,225
Kia cuts US production of EV9 electric SUV, but 2025 models covered here you qualify for a $3,750 EV tax creditthe Korea Herald reported.
The credit, half of the higher price, is due to the fact that supplier SK On still produces EV9 batteries. in Chinacalled a foreign business concern by the US government. Going forward, vehicles with battery components imported from any country bearing the applicable foreign label are not eligible for the full credit amount under the rules enacted as part of the IRA.
2025 Kia EV9
“The EV9 is not eligible to benefit from the full benefits of the IRA due to the battery issue, as well as other factors, including the price,” a Kia official told the Korea Herald. The IRA rules also include an $80,000 price cap for electric SUVs, but most versions of the EV9 fall below that. Basic Light Standard Range starts at $56,225 and destination.
Kia began production of EV9s at its plant in West Point, Georgia, in June, but most US-market vehicles are still made in South Korea, according to the report. EV9s are also built at Hyundai parent Metaplant, also in Georgia, but not in volume. The report said only 21 were made at that facility in the third quarter, and only one was sold in the US
2025 Kia EV9
SK On has worked with Hyundai and Kia to meet tax credit recovery regulations, a process that will be strengthened by the construction of a new battery cell plant in Georgia near both Hyundai and Kia plants. It has an estimated annual capacity of 35 gwh, enough for 500,000 EVsaccording to the report. Hyundai is also planning a joint venture battery plant with LG Energy Solution in Georgia.
Debuting as a 2024 model, and winning Green Car Reports' Best Car To Buy award, the EV9 sold quickly, approximately 18,000 sales in October. Now Kia seems more concerned with satisfying that demand than producing cars in the US to satisfy tax credit rules, which may prevent the EV9 from qualifying at full price for some time. The tax credit could also disappear under the incoming Trump administration, which has reportedly made attention a priority.