South Korea Tightens Vehicle Emissions Rules to Meet Climate Goals

South Korea’s Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment announced draft revisions to vehicle regulations requiring manufacturers to cut greenhouse gas emissions. The new rules will mandate reductions for medium and heavy-duty commercial vehicles starting in 2027, shifting from a voluntary to a compulsory system. These changes aim to align the country’s transport sector with its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent from 2018 levels by 2030, and potentially by 53 to 61 percent by 2035.

Manufacturers will be required to reduce average greenhouse gas emissions from heavy trucks and buses by 30 percent from a 2021-2022 baseline by 2030. The government will also lower average emissions limits for passenger cars and light-duty vehicles to 54 g/km and 98 g/km respectively by 2030.

To support automakers, South Korea will extend its “super credit” incentive program for low-emission vehicles through 2029 and introduce new incentives for hydrogen internal combustion engine vehicles. The government will finalize the regulations following a 60-day public consultation period ending September 14.