Who Drives Electric Cars? Over Half Are People in Their 30s and 40s in the Seoul Metropolitan Area

More Than Half of Kia EV6 Electric Vehicle Buyers in the Seoul Metropolitan Area Are in Their 30s and 40s

[Asia Economy Reporter Changhwan Lee] It has been found that the main buyers of electric vehicles are young people in their 40s living in the metropolitan area. They considered fuel efficiency and driving range as the most important factors when purchasing an electric car.

According to HMG Journal, Hyundai Motor Group's media channel, more than 50% of Kia's first dedicated electric vehicle EV6 buyers are in their 30s and 40s.

Based on sales data of 9,524 EV6 units delivered from its launch in August to November, people in their 40s accounted for the largest share at 33%, followed by those in their 30s at 18%. Buyers in their 50s made up 27%, and those aged 60 and above accounted for 17%. By gender, 78% were male and 22% female.

By region, the highest number of buyers came from the metropolitan area (Seoul, Gyeonggi, Incheon), where the population in their 30s and 40s is high, accounting for 53%. This was followed by the Gyeongsang, Busan, Daegu, and Ulsan regions and the Chungcheong and Daejeon regions, each recording double digits at 22% and 11%, respectively. The analysis suggests that purchases were made in areas with a high proportion of 30-40-year-olds, the main customer base for electric vehicles, as well as regions with relatively stable charging infrastructure.

Kia EV6 GT model / Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

The most important factor for EV6 customers when purchasing an electric vehicle was fuel efficiency (electric power consumption per driving distance). This indicates that the biggest reason for driving an electric car is economic efficiency.

Next was the driving range per single charge, ranked second. A long driving range is essential for long-distance driving. As many as 93.1% of all buyers chose the long-range option, highlighting driving range as a crucial factor in selecting an electric vehicle.

Third was charging speed, which appears to be a choice made with consideration of the time required for charging during repeated daily driving and long-distance trips. Fourth was exterior design and style, showing a desire for differentiated design as an electric vehicle owner.

HMG Journal explained that the main consumers of electric vehicles are economically capable people in their 30s and 40s, including singles enjoying single life, young couples enjoying life as a pair, and three-person families with young children. They added that these consumers tend to pursue both economic rationality and innovative distinctiveness in their lives.