Chinese EVs Gain Ground in South Korea, Overtaking Germany by Share

Chinese-made electric vehicles are expanding fast in the South Korean market. In the first half of 2026, 69,513 China-made EVs were registered in South Korea, a year-on-year jump of 178.7 percent, accounting for 35 percent of all newly registered EVs there, up from 26.8 percent before.

Share overtakes Germany

It is not only EVs. In the first half, the total number of China-made imported vehicles registered in South Korea reached 79,444, up 127.8 percent year on year, and by country of manufacture, China-made vehicles took a 41.2 percent share, surpassing Germany for the first time. Young Korean consumers are increasingly turning to these affordable, technology-rich models.

How the brands performed

BYD, which began delivering passenger EVs to South Korea in April 2025, registered 11,675 vehicles in the first half, a surge of 807.9 percent, ranking fourth among imported brands behind Tesla, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Zeekr, owned by Geely, made inroads with its premium 7X, priced from 52.99 million won, topping 1,000 preorders a month after its June launch. Tesla vehicles made in Shanghai also contributed a sizeable share of the growth.

An analyst with the China Automobile Dealers Association said Chinese EVs have a clear lead in electrification and smart technologies, helping to overturn the impression that Chinese-made EVs are low-end.

New subsidy rules add uncertainty

The road ahead, however, is not entirely smooth. South Korea's new subsidy eligibility criteria, which assess technology development, supply-chain contribution and safety, have raised the bar for Chinese carmakers. BYD failed to meet the requirements in the new assessment and has been ineligible for subsidies since July 1, while Zeekr missed the subsidy application window and likewise lost eligibility from July 1.

Previously, buyers could receive combined government subsidies of about 1,402 to 2,100 US dollars, or 2 to 3 million won. The shift in subsidy policy, together with the need to build local service networks, are real challenges Chinese carmakers must face after a strong start.