Tesla Model Y Powers South Korea's 50% EV Sales Surge

South Korea just proved that the electric vehicle revolution is accelerating faster than anyone expected.

The country registered 220,177 new electric vehicles in 2025, a stunning 50% increase from the previous year. Even more exciting, EVs now represent 13.1% of all new car sales, marking the first time the country has crossed into double digits.

Leading this transformation is the Tesla Model Y, which sold 50,397 units and captured over a quarter of South Korea's pure electric passenger vehicle market. The all-electric crossover, built at Tesla's Shanghai factory, saw sales skyrocket by 169%, driven largely by demand for its revamped version.

The competition is heating up in the best way possible. Kia led all manufacturers with 60,609 EV sales, followed closely by Tesla at 59,893 units and Hyundai at 55,461 units. Together, these three brands account for nearly 80% of the country's total EV sales, creating what industry experts describe as a three-way race that's pushing innovation forward.

What makes this growth even more remarkable is how quickly attitudes are shifting. Imported EVs reached a 42.8% market share in 2025, up from just 25% three years earlier. China-made EVs more than doubled their sales to 74,728 units, with Tesla's Model Y playing a central role in that expansion.

Why This Inspires

This story shows how quickly entire markets can transform when technology meets consumer demand. South Korea's embrace of electric vehicles demonstrates that clean transportation isn't just a future goal but a present reality.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently praised South Korean customers for their tech-savvy approach, noting that "Koreans are often a step ahead in appreciating new technology." That forward-thinking mindset is helping drive a cleaner, quieter future for transportation.

The momentum in South Korea mirrors a global shift toward sustainable mobility, proving that environmental progress and consumer choice can work hand in hand. When people get excited about better technology, everyone benefits.

South Korea's EV success story shows the world what's possible when innovation meets enthusiasm.