Business · Companies · 1 day ago
Chinese EVs gain ground in South Korea as domestic share falls
Chinese-made electric vehicles are gaining ground in South Korea, with their market share reaching 38.1% by September this year.
That is up from 4.7% in 2022, while the share of South Korean-made electric vehicles fell from 75% to 55%.
Chinese brands offer a range of models, including lower-priced BYD cars, China-made Tesla models and higher-end Zeekr vehicles.
The competition is about price, technology and features, not price alone.
South Korea currently applies an 8% basic tariff to Chinese electric vehicles, while the United States and Europe impose higher tariffs and Japan offers tax credits for electric vehicles made at home.
Industry voices are calling for more support for domestic production and research, including tax credits for locally made electric vehicles.
Lawmakers have urged swift passage of a bill to encourage domestic production during the November parliamentary session, but the sources do not say what will happen next.
Chinese-made electric vehicles have increased their share of South Korea’s market from 4.7% in 2022 to 38.1% as of September this year.
The share of domestically made electric vehicles fell from 75% to 55% over the same period.
The report attributes Chinese models’ gains to their prices, technology and range of features.
Industry voices say South Korea should support domestic production and research and development, and consider tax credits for locally made electric vehicles.
South Korea currently applies an 8% basic tariff to Chinese electric vehicles, according to the report.
- Who
- Chinese electric vehicle makers are gaining ground, while South Korean manufacturers face falling market share.
- What
- Chinese-made electric vehicles’ share of South Korea’s market rose to 38.1%; the domestic share fell to 55%.
- When
- The comparison covers 2022 and September this year; the report was published on November 2, 2026.
- Where
- South Korea.
- Why
- Chinese models offer competitive prices, technology and features. Industry voices also say domestic support measures are insufficient.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Chinese-made electric vehicles held 4.7% of South Korea’s market, according to the report.
Lim I-ja called for swift passage of a bill on tax incentives for domestic electric vehicle production.
Chinese-made electric vehicles’ market share reached 38.1%, while domestically made vehicles’ share fell to 55%.
YTN Science published its report on Chinese electric vehicles gaining ground in South Korea.
- Chinese EV share in 2022
- 4.7%
- Chinese EV share in September this year
- 38.1%
- Domestic EV share in September this year
- 55%
- Basic tariff on Chinese EVs
- 8%
- Examples of Chinese-made models
- BYD, Tesla models made in China, and Zeekr
1 source
What people are saying
Chinese electric vehicles, especially Tesla, are indeed quickly taking market share in these areas in the domestic market.
There is no more time to delay. I propose that the ruling and opposition parties swiftly pass the amendment introducing tax incentives to promote domestic electric vehicle production, which they jointly proposed, at the National Assembly this November.