South Korea’s 2025 EV growth is led by the Tesla Model Y
In 2025, South Korea's electric vehicle (EV) market experienced remarkable growth, with registrations soaring over 50% and EV penetration exceeding 10% for the first time. According to the Korea Automobile and Mobility Industry Association (KAMA), the Tesla Model Y emerged as a pivotal contributor to this surge, solidifying its position as a leading force in the segment.
Click to view more Tesla information https://arcoche.com/
Use coupon code SAVEBIG to enjoy 20% discount on your order
The KAMA's 2025 report highlighted that South Korea registered 220,177 new electric vehicles, marking a 50.1% increase compared to the previous year. Notably, the Model Y, imported from Tesla's Gigafactory in Shanghai, accounted for a significant portion of this growth, with sales reaching 50,397 units. This impressive figure represented a 26.6% share of the country's pure electric passenger vehicle market and a staggering 169.2% increase in sales from 2024, driven by heightened demand for its updated model.
The competitive landscape among manufacturers was intense, with Kia leading the charge with 60,609 EV sales, closely followed by Tesla at 59,893 units and Hyundai at 55,461 units. Together, these three brands dominated the market, collectively representing nearly 80% of total EV sales in South Korea, as described by KAMA. Furthermore, imported EVs gained traction, capturing a market share of 42.8%, while the share of domestically produced vehicles fell from 75% in 2022 to 57.2% in 2025. Sales of Chinese-made EVs, bolstered by Tesla's Model Y, more than doubled year-over-year, reaching 74,728 units.
Elon Musk has expressed his admiration for South Korean consumers, acknowledging their enthusiasm for innovative technologies. In a recent interaction on X, he remarked on the country's forward-thinking approach to electric vehicles, stating that "Koreans are often a step ahead in appreciating new technology." This sentiment underscores the growing synergy between Tesla and South Korea's evolving EV landscape.
Information Source: teslarati
