The new LPG 1-ton truck has surpassed 100,000 units sold just over a year after its launch.
The Korea LPG Association noted that, as of the end of January this year, the cumulative sales of the LPG models Hyundai Motor Company's Porter 2 and Kia's Bongo 3 reached 102,405 units. This is approximately one year after their launch in December 2023.
According to the Korea Automobile Mobility Industry Association (KAMA), last year (2024), the market share of LPG and electric models in the 1-ton truck market was 84:16, indicating that LPG models were overwhelmingly popular.
The shutdown of diesel trucks due to stricter environmental regulations has led to the successful establishment of LPG trucks in the market, praised for their performance and economic benefits.
Improved performance is cited as a key factor for the success of the LPG 1-ton truck. It is equipped with Korea's first LPG direct injection (LPDi) engine, providing a maximum output of 159 horsepower, which is higher than the existing diesel engine (135 horsepower). It has been evaluated as completely dispelling the existing prejudice that LPG vehicles are 'weak.'
After fueling, the driving range is 488 km for automatic and 525 km for manual, both of which are long, and the charging time is also short, around 3 minutes.
Unlike diesel vehicles, there is no need for urea solution injection for the exhaust gas reduction device (SCR), which is another advantage.
The LPG 1-ton truck emits only 4% of the Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV30) emission regulation in North America for fine dust, and its carbon dioxide emissions are reduced by 8% compared to existing diesel engines.
Thanks to the strong sales of the 1-ton trucks, the number of LPG vehicles registered also turned upward. According to statistics from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, as of the end of December last year, the total number of registered LPG vehicles in the country was 1,861,402, an increase of 15,812 units compared to the end of 2023. This marks the first annual increase in the number of registered LPG vehicles in 14 years since peaking at 2.46 million in 2010.
The LPG industry is working on expanding charging infrastructure. There are currently 1,915 LPG filling stations for automobiles operating nationwide. The industry is pushing to introduce self-service charging to enhance convenience and cost-effectiveness for drivers, and discussions are ongoing to bring about simplified charging in underserved areas.
Yang Hee-myeong, chairman of the Nationwide Association of Individual Small Freight Vehicle Transport Businesses (Delivery Association), said, 'LPG trucks have long driving distances after a single charge and improved output, making long-distance operators satisfied,' adding, 'It is expected to help support the livelihood of operators with low maintenance costs.'