BYD Korea, the South Korean unit of Chinese automaker BYD, is expected to shift its focus in South Korea to plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV).

The move follows the loss of government subsidy eligibility for its battery-electric passenger cars on July 1 under revised rules that place greater weight on supply-chain contribution.

That reduces the price appeal of models such as the Seal and Sealion 7.

In April 2026, BYD said the Sealion 7’s effective Seoul purchase price could fall to the low 42 million won (US$27,000) range from 44.9 million won (US$29,000) after national and local subsidies, while the Plus trim could drop to the mid-44 million won (US$28,000) range from 46.9 million won (US$30,000).

The shift follows rapid growth in BYD’s local sales, which surged to 1,664 vehicles in March 2026 from 10 a year earlier.

It also comes after the launch of the Sealion 6 DM-i plug-in hybrid electric vehicle at 37.5 million won (US$24,000), compared with more than 60 million won (US$38,000) for Toyota’s RAV4 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.

🔗 Source: The Korea Times

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