Kia America has come up with an innovative solution to protect newly assembled vehicles from hail damage. The company is installing a hail protection system at its factory in Georgia, which also integrates solar panels. This system not only shields the vehicles from potential hail damage but also generates solar power for the entire car plant.
The massive hail protection canopy being constructed at Kia’s Georgia factory spans 3.2 million square feet and aims to prevent the kind of damage caused by hailstorms in 2023, when 13,000 cars were affected. Stuart Countess, CEO of Kia Georgia, highlighted the importance of rethinking storage and protection methods for finished products in light of this incident.
Designed by Vehicle Protection Structures (VPS), the hail protection system incorporates 17,000 solar panels capable of providing up to 13 megawatts of power. This renewable energy source will cover 20% to 30% of the factory’s energy needs, aligning with Kia’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions by 97% by 2045 compared to 2019.
The integration of solar panels not only supports Kia’s sustainability goals but also positions the company to qualify for investment tax credits for sustainable infrastructure. Wade White, Executive Vice President of Vehicle Protection Structures, emphasized the system’s ability to help manufacturers meet sustainability targets, reduce utility costs, and access available tax credits.
The hail protection system, which is currently halfway complete, is expected to be fully operational by the end of the year. The solar panel integration is slated for completion by early next year. This initiative complements Kia’s production of electric vehicles like the EV6 and EV9, as well as combustion-powered crossovers such as the Sorento, Sportage, and Telluride.
Overall, Kia’s integration of a hail protection system with solar panels not only safeguards its vehicles from weather-related risks but also demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and efficiency in manufacturing processes. The company’s efforts to embrace renewable energy sources and environmentally friendly solutions reflect a broader industry trend towards greener practices.