# Kia to Establish First Manufacturing Facility in Korea for Electric Purpose Built Vehicles (PBVs)

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/05/kia-to-establish-first-manufacturing-facility-in-korea-for-electric-purpose-built-vehicles-pbvs/
- Published: 2022-05-18T15:49:32-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

**(SEOUL) May ****18****, 2022 – **Kia Corporation, which is in the midst of its
transition into a sustainable mobility provider, has announced today that it will
establish an all-new, high-tech smart manufacturing facility dedicated to producing
[electric](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/04/should-we-follow-norways-example-of-electric-vehicles/)
Purpose Built Vehicles (PBVs).

![Kia to establish first manufacturing facility in korea for electric purpose built
vehicles pbvs](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/18894_Kia_to_establish_its_first_electric_PBV_plant_in_Korea_as_it_accelerates.
jpg?resize=420%2C236&quality=52&ssl=1 "Kia to Establish First Manufacturing Facility
in Korea for Electric Purpose Built Vehicles (PBVs) - The Green Living Guy")

The intelligent new production hub for PBVs will be located within Kia’s existing
Hwaseong manufacturing site in Korea. The company plans to begin construction in
the first half of 2023, with the aim to commence commercial production in the second
half of 2025.

## Electric PBVs

The plant will initially be able to build 100,000 PBVs a year with the capacity 
to increase production to 150,000 units annually in line with the growth of PBV 
market.

“This dedicated PBV facility is one of the major pillars of our [Plan S](https://www.kianewscenter.com/News/kia-presents-2030-roadmap-to-become-global-sustainable-mobility-leader/s/576e6644-613a-4a40-b140-3d9077354478)
strategy as Kia seeks to claim the top position in the global PBV market,” said 
Ho Sung Song, President and CEO of Kia Corporation. “We will initially explore new
markets with derivative PBV models, then gradually expand our presence in global
markets with dedicated PBV models featuring autonomous driving technologies.”

[Kia](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/01/test-drive-results-2013-kia-optima-hybrid-ex/)
is one of the first global organizations to make headway into the PBV market. As
part of its Plan S roadmap, the brand aims to become a purpose build vehicle leader
by 2030. When combined with autonomous driving technology, PBVs are expected to 
offer a revolutionary new means of transportation. For instance, one that further
enriches society and communities around the globe.

The new PBV plant will feature state-of-the-art automation processes. It will combine
advanced technologies that reduce carbon emissions during the production processes.
The site is also equipped with clean painting and energy-saving facilities to minimize
environmental impacts further.

## **Smart manufacturing with ****E-F****OREST**

E-FOREST is the brand name for Kia’s new smart factory ecosystem. It pursues innovation
in manufacturing systems by [organically](https://greenlivingguy.com/2010/11/electric-vehicle-chassis-choosing-the-right-one/)
connecting everything to realize customer value. The initial ‘E’ signifies progress
in the overall mobility industry in terms of efficiency and economics. It also represents
the ambition to achieve innovation for everyone by connecting elements such as artificial
intelligence. In addition, robot technology, and ICT to provide its customers with
the very best products. The ‘Forest’ part of the nomenclature refers to an ecosystem
that harmonizes all these elements to function as one.

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

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