EV Trend Korea 2026 exhibition opens at COEX in Seoul

The EV Trend Korea 2026 exhibition has opened at COEX in Seoul, showcasing the future of the electric vehicle ecosystem, including manufacturers, battery technology, and charging infrastructure. The event features 89 companies and 393 booths, covering everything from complete vehicles to non-road electrification like electric forklifts and three-wheeled vehicles.

During the event, the 5th annual EV Awards recognized several industry leaders. Kia's EV5 was named ‘Korea's EV of the Year’ by consumers and received the Minister of Environment Award. Polestar 3 won the ‘Jury's Choice: EV of the Year’ in the international category, praised for its performance, design, and safety. Other award recipients included Hyundai's IONIQ 6N and Polestar 3 for innovation, and Volvo's ES90 in the media category.

Major automotive brands including BYD, Kia, KGM, Volvo, and BMW are exhibiting various models. BYD is showcasing its ATTO 3 Plus and the SEALION 6 DM-i plug-in hybrid. Kia is presenting the PV5 Passenger, EV3 GT-Line, and EV5 GT-Line.

Despite the technological showcase, the exhibition also highlighted challenges within the charging sector. Some major charging point operators (CPOs) were absent this year, reflecting industry concerns regarding profitability, rising operational costs, and the complexities of electricity pricing structures.