South Korea separates EV and battery ownership

Published: May 13, 2026 15:34

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The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced on May 11 that the 8th Mobility Innovation Committee approved 16 agenda items, including demonstrations for an “EV battery subscription service” and “vehicle operation in Gwangju’s autonomous driving demonstration city.”

South Korean consumers will be able to purchase only the vehicle body of an electric vehicle and lease the expensive battery separately.

In addition, 200 autonomous vehicles to be deployed in Gwangju’s autonomous driving demonstration city will be eligible to apply for temporary operation permits without undergoing the self-certification process.

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