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Korea's cumulative EV registrations surpass 1 million

Published: 21 Apr. 2026, 17:38

EVs are charging at a station in Seoul on April 21. [YONHAP]

Korea's cumulative EV registrations have surpassed the 1 million mark, with more than 100,000 EVs newly registered in the first four months of this year, government data showed on Tuesday.

A total of 106,939 EVs have been sold this year as of Friday, according to data compiled by the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment.

This represents considerable growth compared to each of the past two years, according to the latest findings.

In 2024, it took from January to September to surpass the 100,000 unit mark, while that milestone was reached in seven months last year.

This year, EVs accounted for more than 20 percent of all new cars sold as of the end of March. The figure was sharply higher compared to corresponding tallies of 13 percent and 8.9 percent for 2025 and 2024, respectively.

The ministry attributed the recent popularity of EVs to the conflict in the Middle East, which has raised fuel prices; the release of new EV models by automakers; and the government's EV promotion policy.

The government will continue its efforts to expand the distribution of EVs, including EV subsidies, the ministry said.

Yonhap