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Chinese EVs take one-third of new registrations in S. Korea
Korean imports of Chinese-made EVs have increased significantly, with Chinese brands now accounting for about one-third of new EV registrations last year, up from 1% in 2021, according to data from the Korea Automobile and Mobility Association. Tesla’s Shanghai-made Model Y and Model 3 continue to drive growth.
Chinese automaker BYD has gained a foothold since entering Korea in January 2025, selling over 6,000 units in its first year.
In January, BYD sold 1,347 vehicles, surpassing several established brands like Volvo, Audi, and Toyota, though Lexus sold slightly more at 1,464 units.
BYD’s key models, including the Atto 3 and Sealion 7, are priced competitively, with the Dolphin hatchback introduced at 24.5 million won (US$17,000).
Industry officials say growing trust in EV brands is influencing purchase decisions in South Korea.
🔗 Source: The Korea Times
🧠 Food for thought
Implications, context, and why it matters.
Seoul is reshaping its EV subsidy program amid rising Chinese-made EVs
- Chinese brands keep gaining sales even with South Korea’s policy pushback.
- The finalized 2026 EV subsidy plan tightens rules on charging support and battery energy density. Electrek said the shift favors domestic automakers like Hyundai and Kia because many Chinese models, including BYD, rely on cheaper lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries 1.
- South Korea also applies 8% tariffs on Chinese cars. Teslarati said that could narrow the price gap between South Korean and Chinese vehicles 2.
South Korea’s automakers are playing a global game of trade jujitsu
- Chinese EVs add pressure at home, while Korean manufacturers gain from Western trade barriers aimed at China 3.
- In the United States, nearly half of eligible EVs use batteries supplied by Korean firms such as LG Energy Solution, SK On, or Samsung SDI 3.
- In Europe, the European Commission proposed extra tariffs on Chinese-made EVs that reach 38.1% for some automakers, plus the EU’s 10% base import tariff 4.
- The same backdrop could help Korean companies pay for lower-cost models, including Hyundai’s upcoming IONIQ 3, to take on BYD in South Korea 1.
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