On November 21, 2024 (local time), the Ioniq 9 model was unveiled for the first time at the Goldstein House in Los Angeles, USA. The Ioniq 9 is scheduled to go on sale in the domestic market in early 2025. (Image provided by Hyundai Motor)
SEOUL, Jan. 13 (Korea Bizwire) — In a move to boost consumer adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), the South Korean government has announced a revision to eco-friendly certification standards, lowering the threshold for large electric passenger cars to qualify for tax incentives.
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) revealed on January 12, 2025, that it has issued an administrative notice for proposed amendments to the “Regulations on Requirements for Environmentally Friendly Vehicles.”
Under the revised standards, electric passenger vehicles will now be classified as either mid-size or large based on a wheelbase threshold of 3,050 mm. Large EVs will only need to meet an energy consumption efficiency of 3.4 km/kWh to earn eco-friendly certification, a reduction from the previous uniform standard.
Conversely, EVs with a wheelbase under 3,050 mm must meet a stricter efficiency standard of 4.2 km/kWh.
Previously, all electric passenger vehicles, regardless of size, were required to achieve an energy efficiency of at least 3.7 km/kWh to be classified as eco-friendly.
Vehicles meeting eco-friendly certification standards are eligible for substantial tax benefits, including up to 3 million won ($2,300) in individual consumption tax reductions, a corresponding 30% reduction in education tax, and up to 1.4 million won ($1,100) in acquisition tax cuts.
The EV9 stands out with its future-oriented design reflecting Kia’s “Opposites United” philosophy, advanced electrification performance thanks to a large 99.8kWh battery pack, and cutting-edge features like wireless software updates (OTA).
A MOTIE official explained, “The existing regulations were outdated and needed revision. Given the rising consumer demand for larger EVs and the market’s current stagnation, we decided to adjust the standards to stimulate growth.”
This policy change is expected to benefit upcoming models like Hyundai’s Ioniq 9 and Kia’s EV9, both slated for release later this year. With wheelbases of 3,130 mm and 3,100 mm respectively, these models will qualify for the relaxed eco-friendly certification criteria.
In contrast, most imported EVs currently sold in South Korea have wheelbases under 3,050 mm, making them subject to the tightened efficiency requirements.
The updated regulations aim to balance market growth and environmental performance as South Korea continues its push toward sustainable mobility.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
