SK On’s US subsidiary, SK Battery America (SKBA), will start mass production of electric vehicle (EV) batteries for Hyundai Motor at its Georgia facility beginning in October. This marks a key transition for the plant, which previously focused on supplying batteries to Ford. The production line conversion aligns SK On’s strategy with the growing importance of US-based manufacturing for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), driven by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and its incentives for domestic EV production.
The conversion, already underway, highlights the collaboration between Hyundai and SK On as both companies seek to maximize benefits from the IRA. Hyundai, which is preparing to launch its EV-exclusive facility, Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA), in Savannah, Georgia, will rely on SK On to secure a stable battery supply chain for its expanding EV lineup.
By adapting its production lines, SKBA is expected to boost its plant utilization rate significantly, strengthening its position in the increasingly competitive US EV market. This shift reflects broader US policy goals of promoting domestic manufacturing and mitigating global supply chain risks, especially in the rapidly evolving automotive sector.
