The national EV subsidy scheme was trimmed again this year, but the headline numbers hide a few useful details.

**The cap moved down.** Cars priced above 85 million won get nothing, cars between 53 and 85 million get half, and only cars under 53 million qualify for the full national amount. Local top-ups still vary wildly: Seoul adds far less than Jeju or Gyeongbuk.

**Battery efficiency matters more.** The formula now rewards range per kWh, which is why the Ioniq 6 and Model 3 RWD keep the full amount while heavier SUVs lost a chunk.

**Used EVs are the real story.** A two-year-old EV6 or Ioniq 5 now sells for roughly 55 to 60 percent of its original price, and unlike new cars there is no waiting list. If you are buying used, ask the seller for a battery state-of-health report; anything above 92 percent at 40,000 km is healthy.

**Charging costs.** Public fast charging rose to around 350 won per kWh. Home charging on a night tariff is still under 100 won. If you cannot install a home charger, factor that into the maths before you sign.

Our take: for city drivers the used EV market is the best value it has ever been. For long-distance drivers, a hybrid remains the safer bet until the fast-charging network in the south-east catches up.