Korean Client Visits FUNTI Evaluates DUKE and V22 Prototype for Premium Market Entry

On January 21, 2026, representatives from a leading electric mobility distributor in South Korea visited Taizhou FANGXIANG Technology Co., Ltd. for an intensive technical review and product development session. The delegation evaluated the FUNTI DUKE in its export configuration and conducted a detailed assessment of the V22 prototype — a new model developed specifically to meet the exacting standards of the Korean market. Following rigorous quality inspections and performance benchmarking, the client confirmed a sample order for both models, marking a significant milestone in FUNTI's pursuit of one of Asia's most demanding EV markets.

About the Korean Client

The visiting delegation represented a well-established automotive distribution group with premium retail channels across Seoul, Busan, Incheon, and Daegu. As South Korea's electric two-wheeler market experiences accelerated growth — driven by government carbon neutrality targets and expanding urban low-emission zones — the client has been seeking a manufacturing partner capable of delivering products that meet the country's notoriously stringent quality and certification standards.

"Korean consumers are among the most discerning in the world," the client's product director explained during the visit. "They notice panel gaps of half a millimeter. They expect switchgear to feel like it belongs in a luxury sedan. And they will not compromise on safety. Our partnership must begin with the understanding that 'good enough' is not acceptable in our market."

DUKE Evaluation: Proven Platform, Premium Refinement

The Korean delegation began with a comprehensive evaluation of the FUNTI DUKE — FUNTI's mid-size luxury electric scooter that has gained traction across Latin American and Southeast Asian markets. While the base platform impressed with its balance of performance and value, the client identified specific areas requiring enhancement for Korean market acceptance.

Key focus areas included: surface finish quality on cast aluminum components, tactile response of handlebar controls, consistency of body panel alignment, and NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) characteristics at sustained highway speeds. The client's technical team conducted measurements using calibrated gauges and compared findings against Korean domestic brand benchmarks.

V22 Prototype: Engineered for Korea

The highlight of the visit was the unveiling of the V22 prototype — a dedicated development project initiated by FUNTI's R&D team specifically to address the Korean market's unique requirements. Unlike standard export configurations, the V22 incorporates numerous design and engineering modifications aimed at achieving KMVSS (Korea Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) compliance and KC (Korea Certification) approval.

The V22 features a reinforced frame with upgraded welding protocols, premium suspension components sourced from Korean-approved suppliers, enhanced electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) shielding for Korea's densely populated urban RF environment, and a completely redesigned lighting system conforming to Korean road traffic regulations. The battery thermal management system has been specifically recalibrated for Korean winter conditions, where temperatures regularly drop below -10°C.

Korean Market Certification Requirements

South Korea maintains one of the most rigorous certification frameworks for electric two-wheelers in Asia. Market entry requires comprehensive testing and documentation across multiple regulatory domains:

• KMVSS Compliance: Full vehicle safety standards including braking performance (dry and wet), steering stability, lighting photometry, horn decibel levels, and rearview mirror field of vision — all tested by KATRI (Korea Automobile Testing & Research Institute).
• KC Certification: Electrical safety certification covering battery pack BMS validation, charger safety protocols, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) emissions and immunity, and wireless communication device compliance.
• E-Stand Label: Energy efficiency labeling mandatory for all electric vehicles sold in Korea, requiring certified range testing under standardized conditions.
• WEEE Registration: End-of-life battery recycling program registration with Korea's Ministry of Environment.
• KS Standards: Korean Industrial Standards conformance for materials, fasteners, and surface treatments.

FUNTI has engaged a Seoul-based regulatory consultancy to manage the KMVSS and KC certification processes, with testing scheduled at KATRI's Pyeongtaek facility in Q2 2026.

The sample units will undergo comprehensive local road testing in Korea, KMVSS pre-compliance validation, and dealer evaluation across the client's retail network. Successful completion of this phase will trigger a formal distribution agreement and volume production commitment.

Strategic Importance of the Korean Market

South Korea represents a pivotal strategic market for FUNTI's broader Asia-Pacific expansion. With a GDP per capita exceeding USD 35,000 and a technologically sophisticated consumer base, Korea serves as both a high-value revenue opportunity and a demanding quality benchmark that validates FUNTI's engineering capabilities.

"If we can succeed in Korea, we can succeed anywhere in Asia," said Robin, General Manager of Direction Technology. "The KMVSS certification, the KC mark, the consumer expectations — these are the toughest standards we have faced. Meeting them proves that FUNTI's quality infrastructure is world-class."

FUNTI has allocated dedicated R&D resources to the V22 program, with a target of achieving full KMVSS and KC certification by Q3 2026. The company is also exploring partnerships with Korean battery cell suppliers and suspension component manufacturers to further enhance local content and streamline certification processes.

Both parties have established a joint technical committee that will meet monthly via video conference to review development progress, share test data, and align on production timelines. A follow-up visit by FUNTI's engineering team to Seoul is scheduled for April 2026 to conduct on-road validation testing in Korean winter conditions.