The South Korean Ministry of Environment is exploring a novel approach to accelerate the adoption of electric motorcycles: converting existing internal combustion engine (ICE) motorcycles to electric powertrains. This initiative comes as the government seeks more effective ways to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in the rapidly growing two-wheeled vehicle sector.
According to a report released by the Ministry of Environment on April 20th, the feasibility of such a conversion policy is currently under rigorous examination, with a particular focus on economic viability. The ministry is specifically considering the retrofitting of small to medium-sized ICE motorcycles, commonly used for commercial purposes such as deliveries, into electric motorcycles with maximum rated outputs of 4kW and 7kW. Pilot projects involving these conversions are expected to be conducted to assess the practical implications and effectiveness of the process.
The proliferation of motorcycles in South Korea has been significant, largely driven by the surge in online food and goods delivery services that have become integral to daily life. National statistics on registered motorcycles illustrate this trend, peaking at 2,319,194 units in July 2021 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, a notable increase from 2,097,143 in March 2013. As of March this year, the number stands at 2,244,680, indicating a sustained high level of motorcycle usage.
The South Korean government has been actively promoting the adoption of electric motorcycles through subsidies, mirroring similar incentives for electric cars. However, the uptake of electric motorcycles has not met initial expectations. A significant hurdle cited by many is the limited driving range on a single charge compared to the demands of daily use, particularly for delivery riders. Typically, an electric motorcycle offers a range of 70 to 80 kilometers per charge, which falls short for professionals who often cover distances exceeding 100 kilometers daily.
A May 2023 report commissioned by the Korea Agency for Infrastructure Technology Advancement (KAIA) under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, titled "Development of Digital Electric Motorcycle for Collecting Various Urban Information and Reducing Vehicle-to-Vehicle Accidents," highlighted that full-time delivery drivers in South Korea average approximately 108 kilometers of travel per day. This discrepancy between the available range and daily usage patterns poses a considerable challenge to the widespread adoption of electric motorcycles.
Despite government subsidies, the annual sales figures for electric motorcycles remain modest. The number of electric motorcycles subsidized in recent years includes 14,195 units in 2020, 16,858 in 2021, 14,892 in 2022, 8,174 in 2023, and 9,546 in 2024, averaging around 12,733 units per year. Including unsubsidized sales, the total number of registered electric motorcycles was slightly higher, at 9,048 in 2023 and 10,406 in 2024.
The environmental benefits of electrifying motorcycles are substantial. Given their frequent use in densely populated urban areas and their ability to navigate narrow streets, the widespread adoption of electric motorcycles would lead to a significant reduction in both greenhouse gas emissions and localized air pollutants. Furthermore, the elimination of exhaust noise would contribute to a quieter and more pleasant urban environment.
Currently, direct government support for the conversion of ICE motorcycles to electric is limited globally. However, the potential for creating a domestic market through government-backed conversion initiatives could pave the way for South Korean companies to enter international markets, particularly in Southeast Asia, where motorcycles are a primary mode of transportation.
The Ministry of Environment noted that Indonesia has already implemented a program to support the conversion of ICE motorcycles to electric. In 2023, Indonesia offered a subsidy of 10 million Indonesian Rupiah (approximately US$620 based on the average exchange rate in 2023) per converted motorcycle with an engine displacement of 110 to 150cc. This initiative has shown promising results, with the number of converted motorcycles in Indonesia increasing significantly from 145 units in 2023 to 1,111 units in 2024, a 7.7-fold increase.
Market analysis firm Precedence Research estimates the global electric motorcycle market size at US$37.93 billion in 2023 and projects it to reach US$61.73 billion by 2034, indicating a substantial growth potential in the coming decade. Factors driving this growth include increasing environmental awareness, rising fuel costs, and advancements in battery technology leading to improved range and performance of electric two-wheelers.
Several companies worldwide are already involved in electric motorcycle manufacturing and conversion technologies. Companies like Zero Motorcycles and Energica in the premium segment, and numerous manufacturers in China and Southeast Asia focusing on more affordable models, are key players in the global market. The expertise and technologies developed by these companies could provide valuable insights for South Korea's potential conversion program.
Furthermore, the development of standardized conversion kits and processes would be crucial for the scalability and cost-effectiveness of such an initiative in South Korea. This would likely involve collaboration between government agencies, research institutions, and private sector companies specializing in electric vehicle technology and motorcycle manufacturing.
Addressing the range anxiety issue is also paramount for the success of electric motorcycle adoption, whether through new purchases or conversions. Advancements in battery technology, the development of a robust charging infrastructure, including battery swapping stations, and government incentives to support these developments will be critical. Companies like Gogoro in Taiwan have demonstrated the viability of battery swapping networks for electric scooters, which could offer a solution for delivery riders in South Korea who require longer daily ranges.
The South Korean government's consideration of ICE motorcycle conversion reflects a growing recognition of the need for innovative solutions to accelerate the transition to electric mobility across all vehicle types. By leveraging the existing fleet of motorcycles, this approach could potentially offer a faster and more economically viable pathway to reducing emissions and improving air quality in urban centers.
A representative from the South Korean Ministry of Environment stated, "While still in the conceptual stage, we believe that there is economic merit in exploring the conversion of internal combustion engine motorcycles to electric. We will continue to examine the technical limitations and other relevant factors, including the development of safe and efficient conversion technologies, the establishment of a skilled workforce for conversions, and the potential environmental impact of battery disposal and recycling from converted vehicles."
This potential shift towards retrofitting could represent a significant change in South Korea's strategy for promoting electric mobility, particularly within the crucial segment of urban transportation and delivery services. If successful, it could provide a more immediate and potentially cost-effective way to increase the number of electric two-wheelers on the road, contributing to cleaner air and a quieter urban landscape while also fostering new opportunities for domestic industries in the burgeoning global electric motorcycle market. The coming months will be critical in determining the feasibility and scope of this innovative approach.
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