Electric Vehicle Expo Draws Crowds for BYD PHEV and KGM Hybrid Models

"The EV market is still in the stage of transitioning to fully electric vehicles. HEVs and PHEVs also fall under the same category of eco-friendly cars, so they seem to be a significant part of this EV expo," said a representative from an automotive company at the 'EV Trend Korea 2026' event held on August 25 in Gangnam, Seoul.

As South Korea's largest electric vehicle exhibition, EV Trend Korea serves as a platform for innovation in the future mobility industry and the exchange of carbon-neutral technologies. This year, a total of 90 companies, including electric vehicle manufacturers, electric motorcycle producers, and charging station developers, are participating.

The BYD booth, a Chinese automotive manufacturer, was particularly crowded with visitors. BYD Korea showcased its plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) 'Sea Lion 6 DM-i' and the fully electric 'Atto 3 Plus,' which were introduced to the South Korean market in June. Many attendees were eager to experience the PHEV firsthand, marking BYD's first foray into the PHEV market after previously only selling fully electric vehicles in the country.

A visitor in his 50s praised the Sea Lion 6 DM-i for its value, stating, "My round-trip commute is 40 kilometers, so I can travel on electricity alone, and for long distances, I can go anywhere without refueling. The technology has improved, and even though it's a Chinese brand, the price is low, and the battery meets global standards, which is great." Another attendee noted, "While PHEVs no longer qualify for subsidies, they are still cheaper than the Avante."

Despite being an EV expo, the inclusion of non-fully electric vehicles has enriched this year's exhibition. KG Mobility (KGM) was the only automaker to present a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), the 'Actyon Hybrid.' The booth also featured fully electric models such as the 'Musso EV' and 'Torres EVX.'

Experts agree that the electric vehicle market is poised for significant growth. Lee Man-sik, Executive Vice President of Volvo Korea, stated, "We have already surpassed last year's total electric vehicle sales by July this year," emphasizing the rapid growth of the EV market. He added, "Internal combustion engine vehicles are expected to transition to electrified powertrains, and some brands have recently launched PHEV models to meet customer demand."

Regarding competition with companies like Tesla and BYD, he remarked, "All are engaging in aggressive marketing and receiving positive responses. While we do not compete directly with them, brands ultimately follow market demands. Volvo will continue to evolve in line with customer needs while maintaining our philosophy of safety, innovation, and sustainability."