Lee Min-hyung joined The Korea Times in 2014 and has worked as a journalist mainly in Korea’s finance, tech and automotive industry. He specializes in content creation, breaking news and in-depth analysis currently on transportation and mobility. You can reach him via mhlee@koreatimes.co.kr.
Korea’s carbon neutrality drive questioned by auto industry experts
Hyundai Motor's flagship IONIQ 5 electric SUV / Courtesy of Hyundai Motor
By Lee Min-hyung
Gov’t unable to achieve EV sales target without expansion of nuclear power plants: experts
The government’s much-hyped carbon neutrality pledge is seen by many experts and industry officials as unrealistic and rash, particularly in the era of eco-friendly mobility, as it lacks a concrete roadmap and sufficient investment in supporting infrastructure.
According to the Presidential Commission on Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth, the government plans for electric and hydrogen vehicles to represent more than 40 percent of new car sales by 2030, increasing to 70 percent by 2035.
As of 2024, electric vehicles (EVs) and hydrogen cars accounted for just 9.2 percent of Korea’s total auto sales, according to data from the Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association. This has raised doubts about whether the government can achieve its target in such a short time without significant policy support.
Experts point out that the focus should be on ensuring a sustainable electricity supply for such a large number of EVs. They say the government should avoid making what appears to be a populist pledge and instead develop a more practical roadmap for expanding eco-friendly mobility in the country.
“The government’s target is far from reality, as Korea simply doesn’t have the electricity generation capacity to support that many electric and hydrogen vehicles,” said Lee Ho-geun, an automotive engineering professor at Daeduk University.
A man charges an electric vehicle at a charging station in Seoul, Oct. 9. Yonhap
The expert said the government will never achieve the goal without building more nuclear power plants.
Korea still relies on coal and liquefied natural gas to generate about 60 percent of its electricity. Given the country’s limited land area, expanding the supply of renewable energy for power generation remains a significant challenge.
“This means the government cannot achieve its eco-friendly vehicle sales target within the stated timeline," Lee said. "The expansion of nuclear power plants seems inevitable for the rapid supply of EVs and hydrogen cars, but President Lee Jae Myung and his administration remain lukewarm in its policy drive for nuclear power plants."
According to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, all-electric cars accounted for 17.5 percent of total new vehicle sales in Europe in the first half of 2025, much higher than in Korea.
Industry officials said that the level of EV acceptance among European customers is generally higher than among Korean consumers, due to perceptions of eco-friendly vehicles and the supporting infrastructure.
“Europe has a high level of perception on carbon neutrality and eco-friendly mobility, as evidenced by rapid sales growth of EVs there,” an auto industry official said. “For instance, more than half of new vehicle sales are EVs in Northern European countries. In Europe, EV charging infrastructures are established much better than those in Korea.”
Another auto industry official said lingering safety concerns regarding EVs are hindering the growth of eco-friendly mobility in Korea.
“Concerns about potential EV fires still prevent a number of customers from purchasing electric cars here,” the official said. “Even if the government takes steps to strengthen certification on EV batteries, it will take more time for the general public to trust EVs as reliable and safe cars.”