Author: Min-jae Kim

Hyundai Motor Group has entered into a partnership with the South Korean Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment and the Korea Environment Corporation to expand Plug and Charge (PnC) technology across the country’s electric vehicle charging network. The initiative aims to simplify public charging by allowing compatible electric vehicles to authenticate and begin charging automatically without requiring mobile apps, RFID cards, or additional user verification. National Plug and Charge Certification System According to Yonhap News Agency, Hyundai Motor Group has signed a memorandum of understanding with the government to establish a national certification system for Plug and Charge services. As…

South Korea has introduced a stricter approval process for its electric vehicle subsidy programme, requiring manufacturers and importers to pass a comprehensive government assessment before their vehicles can qualify for purchase incentives. Under the new framework, BYD became the only major battery-electric passenger vehicle manufacturer that failed to secure approval, according to the Korea JoongAng Daily. New Evaluation Expands Beyond Vehicle Performance The Ministry of Environment, Climate and Energy assessed manufacturers using a broader set of criteria than in previous years. In addition to vehicle technology, the evaluation examined each company’s technological capabilities, contributions to the domestic supply chain, compliance…

Hyundai Motor has released its 2026 Sustainability Report, outlining progress in renewable energy adoption, corporate governance and workforce development as the company advances its transition toward electrified mobility. The report said Hyundai achieved RE100 targets across its operations in Europe, North America and India, while renewable energy accounted for 76% of electricity consumption at its overseas facilities during 2025. Renewable Energy Expansion Hyundai said its renewable energy progress has been supported through renewable energy certificates, power purchase agreements (PPAs) and other clean energy procurement methods. Among the latest initiatives is a 147-megawatt photovoltaic power purchase agreement at Hyundai Motor Group…

BYD has introduced the Sealion 6 DM-i plug-in hybrid SUV to the South Korean market, marking the Chinese automaker’s first hybrid model launch in the country as it continues expanding its international presence. The company unveiled the model at the 2026 Busan Mobility Show at BEXCO in Busan on June 26 and opened pre-sales with a starting price of 37.5 million won (US$24,430). First Hybrid Model for South Korea The Sealion 6 DM-i, sold in China as the Sealion 06 DM-i, becomes BYD’s first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) offered in South Korea. The model is one of BYD’s core…

South Korea is considering reallocating part of its hydrogen mobility budget to support electric vehicle (EV) purchase incentives as demand for battery-electric vehicles continues to outpace expectations. According to local media reports, the government is reviewing whether funding currently allocated to hydrogen vehicles and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure could be redirected to the country’s EV subsidy programme, which may run out of funding as early as August. EV Demand Exceeds Expectations South Korea allocated 1.7454 trillion won (approximately €1 billion) for battery-electric vehicle subsidies in 2026. However, stronger-than-expected demand has placed pressure on the programme. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and…

BMW has launched the new iX3 in South Korea, introducing the first series-production vehicle built on the company’s Neue Klasse architecture and marking the debut of several next-generation technologies designed to improve electric vehicle performance, charging, and software capabilities. The electric SUV arrives with BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive powertrain, an 800-volt electrical system, and a certified driving range of up to 611 kilometres under South Korean testing standards. First Production Model on Neue Klasse Platform The iX3 is the first BMW production vehicle to be based on the automaker’s Neue Klasse electric vehicle architecture, which is expected to underpin a broad…

Seoul Semiconductor has begun mass production of its high-voltage (HV) opto-semiconductor technology for four major global automakers across the Americas, Europe and Asia, as the company seeks to expand its presence in the growing electric and hybrid vehicle market. The technology enables 12-volt single-chip operation, compared with the 3-volt LEDs commonly used in automotive applications. According to Seoul Semiconductor, the approach can reduce driver component counts by more than 10% while lowering power consumption by approximately 10% in hybrid and battery-electric vehicles. High-Voltage Architecture Reduces Conversion Losses The HV opto-semiconductor technology is based on a Multi-Junction P-N structure designed to…

Kia has introduced a wheelchair-accessible version of its PV5 electric van, developed in partnership with German vehicle conversion specialist AMF-Bruns. The new model, called the PV5 WAV, is designed for accessible passenger transport and provides space for both a wheelchair user and an accompanying passenger in the rear cabin. WAV stands for Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle. The electric van uses a side-mounted boarding ramp that allows wheelchair users to enter directly from the curbside. Kia said the telescopic two-piece ramp system was designed to adapt to varying road and pavement conditions. According to the company, the ramp reaches a maximum incline…

Kia has started exporting its PV5 electric van to Japan, completing another step toward the commercial launch of the company’s first purpose-built vehicle (PBV) in the country later this spring. The first shipment of the PV5 arrived at Mikawa Port in Toyohashi, Aichi Prefecture, in April and consisted of 34 vehicles. Kia manufactures the mid-sized electric van at its dedicated PBV production facility in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, where the company has allocated annual production capacity of 100,000 units for the model. The automaker has appointed Sojitz Corporation as local importer and distributor through a wholly owned subsidiary named…

Hyundai Mobis has expanded its portfolio of electric drive systems with the introduction of a new 160-kW powertrain, as the company seeks to strengthen its position in the global electrification market. The supplier, which is part of the Hyundai Motor Group, said the new system complements its existing 250-kW electric drive unit and will be followed by a smaller 120-kW variant aimed at compact vehicles and emerging markets. Hyundai Mobis said the broader product range is intended to support electric vehicles across multiple segments, from smaller passenger cars to premium models. See also: Hyundai Mobis Secures $9.17 Billion in Global…

Hyundai Motor has launched a pilot project in South Korea allowing electric vehicle batteries to be used on a subscription basis, marking a shift toward separating vehicle and battery ownership. The initiative, developed in collaboration with Hyundai Capital, is initially focused on taxi fleets and is expected to expand to private consumers later this year, according to local media reports including The Korea Times. See also: Hyundai Plans to Expand Simulated Gearshift Tech Beyond Performance EVs The program has been enabled by a regulatory exemption approved by Ministry of Land Infrastructure and Transport South Korea in November, allowing EV bodies…

Hyundai Motor is preparing to extend the simulated gearshift and engine sound technology introduced in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N to a wider range of its electric vehicles, as the company explores ways to enhance driver engagement in EVs. The system, which mimics the feel of gear changes and engine response, has been a defining feature of Hyundai’s high-performance N models. It has already been expanded to additional vehicles such as the Hyundai Ioniq 6 N and Hyundai Ioniq 9, with plans to introduce it to more mainstream models in the future. “We really want to have a proper [driving]…