A local reveal for Hyundai’s latest all-electric SUV model, the IONIQ 9, was hosted at AutoNation Savannah, alongside an official live streamed presentation from the LA Auto Show in Los Angeles, California.

The IONIQ 9 will be the second production vehicle and the first all-new Hyundai model to be assembled at the Metaplant, further cementing the factory’s growing importance for the automobile manufacturer. In June, Metaplant authorities announced that the first production vehicle would be the 2025 IONIQ 5, an updated version of the award-winning EV. 

“This is just the beginning,” remarked Joe LaMuraglia, head of communications at HMGMA. 

At the unveiling, LaMuraglia said that production for the new IONIQ 9 will begin in the first quarter of 2025 and will hit the market that summer.

According to the livestream, the 2026 IONIQ 9 is stated to have over 300 miles of range for all trims and features a standard NACS port capable of ultra-fast 800V charging -- estimated to charge from 10 to 80% in just 24 minutes with a 350-kW DC charge. 

The Metaplant in Ellabell will produce Hyundai, Genesis, and Kia electric vehicles. Additional vehicle models will soon be announced as the Metaplant approaches full production status.