South Korea has proposed new carbon dioxide (CO₂) emission standards for medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles, requiring manufacturers to progressively reduce greenhouse gas emissions beginning in 2027.
The draft regulations form part of the country’s strategy to accelerate the adoption of battery-electric and hydrogen-powered trucks and buses while supporting its 2030 climate targets.
Three-Phase Rollout
The new requirements will be introduced in three stages between 2027 and 2030.
The first phase will apply to heavy trucks and tractor units weighing more than 15 tonnes, followed by medium and large buses, before expanding to medium-duty trucks and dump trucks.
By 2030, manufacturers will be required to reduce average greenhouse gas emissions from these vehicle categories by 30% compared with the 2021–2022 baseline.
Companies that fail to meet the targets could face financial penalties, although enforcement will be phased in before becoming fully mandatory in 2031.
Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles
To support the transition, South Korea plans to continue offering “super credits” for battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell trucks and buses.
The proposal also introduces compliance credits for hydrogen internal combustion engine vehicles.
Stricter Passenger Vehicle Standards
The government is also proposing tighter fleet-average emission limits for passenger vehicles.
By 2030, the emissions target for passenger cars and vans with up to 10 seats would be reduced from the previously planned 70 grams of CO₂ per kilometre to 54g/km.
For light trucks and vehicles with 11 to 15 seats, the proposed limit would fall from 146g/km to 98g/km.
The draft rules would extend the existing super credit programme for battery-electric, hydrogen and hybrid vehicles through 2029.
Additional measures include longer compliance repayment periods for manufacturers that miss emissions targets and a revised manufacturer classification introducing a new category for medium-sized automakers.
Manufacturing Emissions Included
The proposal also introduces a pilot programme allowing manufacturers to offset up to 5% of their emissions obligations by generating or using renewable electricity at domestic production facilities.
The measure incorporates lifecycle emissions into the regulatory framework by recognising efforts to decarbonise vehicle manufacturing and battery production.
Kim Jin-sik, Director General of the Air Environment Bureau at the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, said the regulations are intended to support emissions reductions across the transport sector.
“The automobile greenhouse gas and fuel efficiency management system is a central pillar driving greenhouse gas reduction in the transportation sector.”
He added that the revised framework is designed to support “the seamless transition to decarbonization in the transportation sector” while helping South Korea’s automotive industry “to secure future competitiveness.”
The ministry has opened a public consultation on the proposed regulations through 14 September before finalising the rules.
