[EV Shift Series③] Cities Want EVs, But Industry Slows Down – Four Asian Cities, Four Different Paths

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Electric Vehicle Adoption in Asia: How Seoul, Tokyo, Beijing, and Singapore Are Leading the EV Transition

Electric vehicle (EV) adoption is accelerating across Asia, with major cities playing a pivotal role in shaping future mobility. From environmental concerns to traffic management and urban planning, cities like Seoul, Tokyo, Beijing, and Singapore are testing diverse EV strategies. This article offers a detailed look at how these cities are transitioning to electric vehicles, including their policies, infrastructure, industry responses, and public sentiment.

City Leadership and Industry Response in Asia’s EV Shift

Seoul is aggressively promoting EVs to combat fine dust pollution, while Tokyo takes a gradual approach with hybrid vehicles. Beijing aligns closely with China's central NEV strategy, and Singapore utilizes strict regulation and control to drive EV adoption.

Despite city-led momentum, industries are cautiously adjusting. The pace of EV transition in Asia is influenced by factors such as manufacturing costs, charging infrastructure, and technological readiness.

Seoul – Regulation-Driven EV Adoption in South Korea

Under the “Zero-Emission City by 2030” initiative, Seoul is phasing out internal combustion engine vehicles. Public fleets were the first to switch to EVs, followed by stricter regulations on commercial vehicles like taxis and buses.

Key policies include the Low-Emission Vehicle Sales Mandate and allowing EV chargers in greenbelt zones. EVs now account for about 20% of new car registrations in South Korea, exceeding the global average.

However, regional disparities in charging infrastructure and limited residential parking space are slowing the transition. Hyundai leads Korea’s EV industry, but supply chain stability and the adjustment of ICE production lines remain challenges.

Tokyo – Gradual EV Transition with Technological Innovation

Tokyo is shifting from hybrid vehicles to EVs as part of Japan’s 2035 eco-friendly vehicle target. Automakers like Toyota, Honda, and Nissan are expanding their EV lineups significantly post-2024.

However, because Japan categorizes hybrids as eco-friendly vehicles, pure EV adoption in Tokyo remains low. Charging infrastructure faces expansion hurdles due to high population density, and securing parking in urban areas is a pressing issue.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the national government are investing in charging stations, while the city continues to be a testbed for advanced EV technologies.

Beijing – State-Led NEV Transition in China

Beijing is one of the most aggressive cities in China for EV policies, aligned closely with central government NEV goals. Policies include prioritized EV license plates, reduced parking fees, and promotion of EV taxis.

Over 50% of new vehicle registrations are NEVs as of 2025, with high commercial EV usage. Beijing’s EV efforts are tightly connected to China’s national industrial strategy, reinforcing its leadership in global EV markets.

Singapore – A Control-Based, Systematic EV Transition

Singapore operates one of the world’s most structured vehicle registration systems. Its COE (Certificate of Entitlement) is linked with EV incentives, creating a framework where non-green vehicles are increasingly difficult to register.

Policies include tax exemptions for EVs, mandatory charger installations, and green taxi license prioritization. Singapore is also experimenting with autonomous electric vehicles and robotaxis, positioning itself as a model for future smart mobility.

EV Infrastructure and Market Penetration (2024–2025)

  • Seoul: Over 54,000 EV chargers as of 2024; 0.77 chargers per EV—one of the highest densities globally. EV adoption has doubled in three years, earning Seoul the “E-Visionary Award.”
  • Tokyo: 3% EV market share; apartment charger installations remain low. Aims to install 60,000 chargers by 2030; new buildings from 2025 must allocate 20% of parking spaces for EV chargers.
  • Beijing: 50.7% of new car registrations are EVs. Ultra-fast charger network expansion planned. 68% of EV owners have chargers at home or work.
  • Singapore: 33% of new car registrations are EVs. As of 2024, around 15,300 chargers are installed, with a target of 60,000 by 2030.

Public Sentiment and EV Acceptance

  • Seoul: 73% of citizens would recommend EV purchases. Concerns include charger availability and fire risk. Used EV market is growing rapidly.
  • Tokyo: Conservative public attitudes favor hybrids over EVs. EV sales are declining; elderly populations show lower tech acceptance.
  • Beijing: 97% of citizens favor EV adoption due to practical benefits like license plate priority. Charger wait times remain a complaint.
  • Singapore: Over 73% show strong EV interest. Government leadership and high-speed charging plans shape a positive outlook.

Recent Policy and Incentive Updates (Late 2023–Early 2025)

  • Seoul: Reduced subsidies for private EVs; increased support for commercial EVs. EV chargers mandatory in new buildings. Expansion of EV buses and taxis continues.
  • Tokyo: Central tax reductions and local charger installation support. From 2025, 20% of parking in new buildings must support EV charging. Subsidies up to ¥850,000.
  • Beijing: EV acquisition tax exemption (up to $4,000 USD) valid through 2025. 80% of new license plates reserved for EVs. Ultra-fast charging and electricity pricing reforms ongoing.
  • Singapore: ARF rebate up to 45% (approx. $11,000 USD). Additional incentives for commercial EVs and public parking chargers.

Central and Local Government Coordination

Asian cities coordinate more effectively with national governments compared to Western counterparts. Policies around infrastructure, funding, and EV subsidies often reflect shared priorities.

Beijing and Singapore exemplify strong central-local alignment, while Seoul and Tokyo also benefit from subsidy programs and aligned regulations.

Industry Response: Slower Than Cities

Asian automakers like Hyundai, Toyota, and BYD are responding to urban EV policies, but transition speed remains slower than city initiatives.

Korea and Japan maintain a cautious stance, still relying heavily on internal combustion vehicle revenues. In contrast, China’s EV industry is rapidly scaling with strong government support.

Diverse Strategies, Shared Vision

  • Seoul: Regulation-based, government-led EV transition
  • Tokyo: Gradual shift with private-sector innovation
  • Beijing: State-directed, large-scale conversion
  • Singapore: Control-based, system-optimized model

Though strategies differ, all four cities aim for cleaner and smarter urban transportation.

Conclusion: Cities Drive, Governments and Industries Follow

Asian cities are experimenting with various electric vehicle transition models based on local conditions and governance systems. Cities lead, while governments and industries provide crucial support.

These case studies offer valuable insights for global EV policy design and help lay the foundation for the future of sustainable urban mobility.

The next article in this EV Transition Series will focus on cities in Oceania and the Middle East.

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