The electric vehicle market is experiencing stark contrasts. Domestic cars are struggling with poor electric vehicle sales, while imported cars are flourishing.
In the first half of the year, electric vehicle sales totaled 64,247 units, which is a 14% decline compared to 74,771 units sold during the same period last year. The worst situation is seen in the domestic electric vehicle market.
Domestic electric vehicle sales recorded 37,286 units in the first half, marking a 42.3% decrease from 64,690 units sold in the same period last year. Hyundai Motor sold 16,842 electric vehicles, down 54.7% from 37,180 units the previous year. The Ioniq 5 showed sales of 7,128 units, down 25% from 9,504 units last year. The Porter Electric plummeted to 5,480 units, a 64% drop from 15,620 units during the same timeframe last year.
Kia recorded sales of 16,537 units, down 39.8% from 27,510 units the previous year. The Ray EV has secured its position as Kia’s best-selling electric vehicle with 6,225 units sold, while the EV6 recorded 5,305 units, halving compared to 10,927 units sold last year.
In contrast, imported electric vehicles are enjoying a boom in sales, unlike their domestic counterparts. Imported electric vehicle sales reached 26,979 units, a staggering 167% increase from 10,081 units last year.
The brand that sparked a boom in the imported electric vehicle market in the first half was Tesla. Tesla recorded 17,380 units, representing a 365% surge from 3,732 units sold last year. The Model Y recorded 10,041 units, soaring 365% from 2,027 units sold during the same period last year, leading Tesla’s sales. The Model 3 was upgraded and sold 7,026 units, representing a 1,215% jump from 534 units the previous year.
Additionally, BMW recorded electric vehicle sales of 3,406 units, while Mercedes-Benz recorded EQ sales of 2,764 units.
Signed: daedusj@autodiary.kr