Recent developments in electric propulsion systems are causing a revolution in urban transport and Electric Vehicles (EVs) are becoming an alternative to vehicles with combustion engines. Thus, this research considers the difficulties and challenges for the development of the EVs value chain in Japan and South Korea with a particular focus on large-scale production and commercialization of EVs. Semi-structured interviews with executives and researchers of the main players involved in the development of EVs in Japan and South Korea were conducted. Secondary data were collected from the literature and technical publications. Based on our analysis, we review the progress that has been made since the Japanese and South Korean industries began seeking to nationally develop the links for a global value chain (GVC) of electric vehicles and conclude that this chain has yet to be consolidated. We describe the notable efforts that have been made towards global integration perspective by drawing attention to the production of components produced outside these two countries and specifically explore the role of Brazil. We then provide an example of how the value chain could be further developed using the case of Brazil. Brazilian suppliers can link to this global value chain by developing electronic control systems and hybrid electric vehicles fueled by ethanol. This study increases knowledge about the possibilities and development alternatives of the emerging EV industry and how less-developed markets, such as Brazil, could potentially increase their linkage to these industries.