SEOUL, June 18 (AJP) - For the first time, sales of eco-friendly vehicles have overtaken those of internal combustion engine (ICE) cars in South Korea, signaling a pivotal shift in one of Asia’s most technologically advanced auto markets.
According to data released by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, sales of electric, hydrogen fuel cell, and hybrid vehicles accounted for 52 percent of domestic auto sales in May. A total of 73,511 eco-friendly units were sold, out of 141,865 vehicles overall.
The surge was driven largely by hybrid vehicles, which made up nearly 71 percent of all eco-friendly vehicle sales. Hybrid sales rose to 51,974 units — a 32.8 percent increase from a year earlier — reflecting growing consumer interest in fuel-efficient vehicles that do not rely on charging infrastructure.
In contrast, sales of gasoline and diesel vehicles fell sharply. ICE vehicle sales dropped 22.7 percent year-on-year, to 68,354 units.
Electric vehicles also saw a significant rebound. After a period of stagnant demand, EV sales jumped 60.3 percent in May compared to the same month last year, reaching 21,445 units.
The ministry attributed the recovery to a wave of new model launches across price points, including affordable domestic offerings such as the Casper EV, Musso EV, and EV4. Among imported brands, Tesla performed strongly, capturing a 4.6 percent share of the overall market and ranking third in sales.
South Korea’s auto industry also saw record-breaking growth in exports of eco-friendly vehicles, which climbed 10.2 percent year-on-year to 75,184 units. Hybrid vehicles led the export increase, with 54,118 units shipped overseas — a 22 percent rise over the same period in 2024.
A ministry official cited broader consumer choice, thanks to model diversification across vehicle segments, as a key factor in the rising demand for electric and hybrid vehicles.
South Korea's transition reflects a wider global movement away from fossil fuel-powered cars.
China surpassed 50 percent eco-friendly market share in July 2024. Germany now reports 54 percent of annual vehicle sales from eco-friendly models, while Norway remains a global leader with approximately 90 percent.
reporter
Candice Kim
candicekim1121@ajupress.com
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