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Insights · Electrification, Transportation

Electrification wave: EVs and the energy transition

Published
Oct 23, 2025
Authors
Sanghyun Hong
Read
7 min
Published in
Language
KR

EV adoption is a core pathway to transport-sector decarbonisation, and a critical variable for the transition of the power system. EVs are not merely replacements for internal combustion vehicles — they catalyse the redesign of the broader energy system.

Accelerating EV Adoption

Global EV sales are surging, and electrification is advancing rapidly across major auto markets. Korea has set a target of 4.5 million EVs by 2030.

Impact on the Power System

Mass EV adoption brings important shifts on the demand side:

Rising demand:

  • Concentrated load during charging hours (after evening commute)
  • Tens of TWh of additional annual electricity demand

Opportunities:

  • V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid): using EV batteries as grid storage
  • Flexible demand: spreading charging time to support grid stability
  • Renewable integration: shifting charging to peak solar generation hours

Grid Readiness Gap

Korea's power grid is not yet sufficiently prepared for large-scale EV charging:

  • Charging infrastructure is being built too slowly
  • Smart-charging frameworks are underdeveloped
  • Distributed-energy-resource management systems are inadequate

Policy Direction

To create a virtuous cycle between EV adoption and the power system, Korea needs an integrated approach: V2G enablement, smart-charging infrastructure investment, and grid flexibility.

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