As demand for hybrid cars (HEV·Hybrid Electric Vehicle·vehicles that use both an engine and an electric motor) continuing to serve as a bridge between internal combustion engines and electric vehicles, domestic complete vehicle manufacturers are fiercely enhancing their hybrid strategies. The presence of hybrid cars is notably highlighted in the imported car market, where the rise of Japanese cars such as Toyota and Lexus continues.
Recently, the complete vehicle industry has been putting significant effort into publicizing the development process and technology of hybrid cars. Last month, Stellantis Korea held a briefing on the smart hybrid system implemented in the Peugeot 308, followed by Hyundai Motor's event on the 10th, introducing its next-generation hybrid system applied for the first time in the Palisade.
Movements to strengthen hybrid strategies by companies are also noticeable. The Renault Korea's Grand Koleos, launched in September last year, has a model share of E-Tech hybrid that accounts for about 90% of sales, driving its performance. KG Mobility launched its first hybrid model, the Torres Hybrid, last month.
Kia announced plans to expand hybrid car sales, including the expansion of powertrain production facilities, during its "CEO Investor Day" held on the 9th for investors and others. The company presented a goal to increase eco-friendly vehicles to 56% by 2030, adjusting the electric vehicle target down from 1.6 million to 1,259,000, while raising the hybrid vehicle goal from 817,000 to 1,074,000.
In particular, in the imported car market, hybrid cars (including mild hybrid · MHEV) account for more than half of total sales. From January to March this year, imports of hybrid cars increased by 45.5% compared to the previous year, while the share of hybrid cars in total sales rose from 50.6% to 66.3% during the same period.
Hybrid cars are classified as full (FHEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), or MHEV based on their driving methods. The most common is the full hybrid method, where the engine and electric motor share roles depending on the required power level. The battery is charged using power generated by engine rotation and regenerative braking, so no separate charging is required.
PHEVs are equipped with larger batteries than full hybrids, allowing them to travel 30-70 km solely on the electric motor. They are most similar to electric vehicles in that they can be charged externally. MHEV, commonly produced by imported cars, relies primarily on the engine, with the electric motor serving as a supportive device to lighten the engine's burden.
In the imported car market, when it comes to full hybrid vehicles, Japanese brands essentially dominate. Last month, the sales of full hybrid vehicles in the top 10 were swept by three Japanese companies: Lexus, Toyota, and Honda. The best-selling models were Lexus's ES300h (583 units), NX350h (365 units), and the Toyota Camry Hybrid (299 units).
In the domestic car market, the share of hybrid cars is steadily increasing. According to the Korea Automobile Mobility Industry Association (KAMA), last year, the proportion of hybrid car sales among the five domestic automakers (Hyundai Motor, Kia, GM Korea, Renault Korea, and KG Mobility) exceeded 20% for the first time, reaching 26.5%. In 2020, this figure was only 7.9%.