The Chinese electric bus Higer Hypers made its South Korean debut in 2018, entering a market with minimal domestic competition. Just five years later, it has become the best-selling electric bus in Seoul, recording 394 units sold nationwide last year — a striking achievement for a relatively new entrant.

Higer Hypers is one of many Chinese electric buses rapidly gaining ground in South Korea. Manufacturers like BYD and King Long have also expanded their presence, collectively capturing more than half of the domestic market share for new electric vehicles last year.

South Korea’s electric bus market has surged, driven by