Korea Automobile Journalists Association Holds "EV Media Insight Talk," Seeks Solutions for EV Mass Adoption

Emphasizes Commercial Vehicle Electrification and Charging Infrastructure
Recommends Developing Affordable Models to Compete with Chinese EVs
Vehicles on Display in Seongsu-dong Through the 15th

The Korea Automobile Journalists Association has brought together experts to assess trends in the electric vehicle market and discuss practical challenges to expanding adoption.

The Korea Automobile Journalists Association (KAJA) held the “EV Media Insight Talk” on the 13th at the “Jeonjijeonneung: Exhibition to Promote Electric Vehicle Adoption,” held at Space S50 in Seongsu-dong, Seoul. The Korea Automobile Journalists Association

The Korea Automobile Journalists Association (KAJA) said it held the "EV Media Insight Talk" on the 13th at "Jeonjijeonneung: An Exhibition to Promote Electric Vehicle Adoption," held at Space S50 in Seongsu-dong, Seoul.

Hosted and organized by the association, the event was designed to share automotive journalists' reporting experiences and perspectives on the electric vehicle industry and market, and to explore ways to make electric vehicles more widely adopted alongside academic and industry research experts. Choi Youngseok, a professor in the Department of Future Automotive Engineering at Halla University in Wonju, and Kim Kyungyu, a senior research fellow at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade, joined the panel. Ryu Jongeun, president of the Korea Automobile Journalists Association, also shared his views. The discussion was moderated by Park Kibum, chair of the association's Academic Affairs Committee.

The discussion addressed several key topics: ▲the electric vehicle market entering the mass-adoption stage ▲the gap between consumer perceptions and actual user experiences ▲factors making consumers hesitate to buy ▲the rise of Chinese electric vehicles and the response of Korea's automotive industry ▲charging infrastructure and expanding the adoption of electric commercial vehicles.

Choi Youngseok, a professor in the Department of Future Automotive Engineering at Halla University in Wonju, said consumer perceptions had changed significantly, drawing on his experience driving an electric vehicle since 2014. "In the past, I had to explain the features of electric vehicles and how to use them to people around me one by one. Now, perceptions have improved to the point where people can use them conveniently without much explanation," he said. "However, concerns about repairs, used-car prices and safety remain issues that need to be addressed."

He added, "Electric vehicle adoption policies should move beyond simply supporting purchases and shift toward an approach that helps grow an industry. In particular, we should move beyond focusing on passenger cars and actively promote the electrification of large transport vehicles, such as electric trucks and buses. A comprehensive response is needed that links vehicle adoption with charging infrastructure and logistics and transportation policies."

The Korea Automobile Journalists Association (KAJA) held the “EV Media Insight Talk” on the 13th at the “Battery Omnipotence: An Exhibition to Promote EV Adoption” event at Space S50 in Seongsu-dong, Seoul. Korea Automobile Journalists Association

Kim Kyungyu, a senior research fellow at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade, cited the expansion of the consumer base as the biggest recent change in the electric vehicle market. "The electric vehicle market is entering a growth phase as it moves from an early market centered on early adopters to a mass market," he said. "The range of choices available to consumers has expanded significantly, with the release of various new models of Korean-made electric vehicles and price competition from imported brands such as Tesla and BYD."

He added, "To respond to the rapid rise of Chinese electric vehicles, domestic automakers also need to introduce affordable electric vehicles with competitive prices. Going forward, policy should shift away from adoption measures centered on subsidies and focus instead on improving the overall user environment, including charging infrastructure, electricity rates and the used-car system."

Ryu Jongeun, president of the Korea Automobile Journalists Association, said, "The electric vehicle market has entered the mass-adoption stage, but high prices, the inconvenience of charging and safety concerns remain challenges that need to be addressed. Rather than pursuing short-term sales growth centered on subsidies, it is important to create an environment in which consumers can make informed and confident choices, while strengthening the competitiveness of Korea's automotive industry."

He added, "Automotive journalists should communicate not only the industry's achievements but also on-the-ground issues and consumers' voices in a balanced way. We hope this talk will help identify practical obstacles to electric vehicle adoption and serve as an opportunity to explore concrete solutions for achieving sustainable mass adoption."

The association plans to continue organizing discussions and networking opportunities where experts and journalists from member companies can take part, focusing on key issues in the automotive industry. It will also continue activities to support the industry's development and improve consumer understanding.

Meanwhile, "Jeonjijeonneung: An Exhibition to Promote Electric Vehicle Adoption," hosted by the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, will be held at Space S50 in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, from November 13 to 15. Major domestic and international automotive brands, including Hyundai Motor, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, BMW, KG Mobility (KGM) and Volkswagen, will exhibit electric vehicles. The event will also provide information on electric vehicle charging, cost-effectiveness, carbon reduction and artificial intelligence (AI), and offer programs that allow visitors to experience electric vehicles firsthand.

Founded in 2010, the Korea Automobile Journalists Association has 60 member media outlets, including major domestic newspapers, broadcasters, news agencies, online media and automotive magazines. More than 200 journalists are currently active in the association. Each year, it selects and announces the "Korea Car of the Year (K-COTY)" and organizes symposia and seminars on automotive issues, technology tours and automotive industry awards ceremonies.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.