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ZEEKR, XPeng and Chery join BYD as Chinese EVs ramp up from one brand last year to four this year
Chery Automobile, one of China’s five largest automakers, is entering the South Korean market, signaling a new wave of Chinese electric vehicles. Following BYD’s entry last year, XPeng, ZEEKR and Chery have confirmed plans to launch EVs in Korea this year, accelerating their push into the market.
That expands the roster of Chinese EV makers selling in Korea from one—BYD—last year to four this year. With competitive pricing and advanced technology, these brands could disrupt both domestic automakers and established import players.
Chery, China’s leading auto exporter, plans to introduce two electric SUVs in Korea—the Omoda C5 EV and the Jaku E5—and aims to start sales in the second half of the year.
Chery is recruiting staff to establish a Korean subsidiary. Industry observers note it finalized launch plans before the local unit was set up — a sign of aggressive market intent.
XPeng, which established a Korean subsidiary in September last year, has selected the electric SUV G6 and MPV X9 as its initial Korean models. The company is completing local certification and targets an official launch as early as Q3 and by Q4 at the latest. XPeng is also considering introducing the P6 electric sedan.
ZEEKR, Geely Group’s premium EV marque, will lead its Korea debut with the mid-size SUV 7X. The 7X is in certification and is slated for a Q2 launch. ZEEKR also plans follow-up models—the large 8X and 9X SUVs and the high-performance 007 GT—and is rapidly building showrooms and service centers.
Several factors are driving the aggressive entry of Chinese EVs into Korea.
Korea’s EV market is growing steadily, with subsidies and charging infrastructure largely in place. Automakers say BYD’s success has helped ease consumer concerns about Chinese EVs, improving prospects for market entry. Facing overcapacity and intense competition at home, Chinese manufacturers view Korea as a vital expansion market.
An industry source said, “Chinese EV brands are clearly racing to enter the Korean market. It remains to be seen whether they become the eye of the storm in Korea’s EV market or just a tempest in a teacup.”
Reporter Kim Ji-woong
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