the city government has increased the number of public high-speed EV charging stations from 38 to 46. These stations can charge batteries in electric cars about nine times faster than low-speed chargers given at the purchase of EVs. (image credit: Kobizmedia/ Korea Bizwire)
SEOUL, Korea, May 2, 2014 (Korea Bizwire) – Seoul City Government has got down to encouraging the wider usage of eco-friendly electric cars, also known as EV, among Seoulites by expanding charging stations and increasing the public awareness of the EV benefits.
Currently, EVs are mostly serving public purposes at places like public agencies, car rental companies (including electric car sharing services) and social welfare centers in Seoul.
To this end, the city government has increased the number of public high-speed EV charging stations from 38 to 46. These stations can charge batteries in electric cars about nine times faster than low-speed chargers given at the purchase of EVs.
Moreover, the charging is absolutely free at these public stations. For a 30-minute charging with a high-speed charger, an EV can drive about 100 kilometers while about a 4-hour charging with a low-speed charger can travel 130 to 150 kilometers.
For a 30-minute charging with a high-speed charger, an EV can drive about 100 kilometers while about a 4-hour charging with a low-speed charger can travel 130 to 150 kilometers. (image credit: Kobizmedia/ Korea Bizwire)
The city government plans to continue to widen the charging station network toward big-box retailers and other major locations in the city.
In order to allow more buildings to participate in hosting EV chargers, the city government made a proposal on April 25 to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transportation and the Ministry of Environment to give participating properties tax exemption benefits.
The government will also cooperate with Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) to help individuals charge their EVs at home at a special rate without having to pay progressive rates.
The city government will also promote the tax benefits resulting from riding on EVs. As of now, the benefits include the congestion fee exemption at Namsan No. 1 and 3 Tunnels, a 50-percent discount at public parking lots in and around the metropolitan area, and car tax favors up to 4.2 million won.
The Seoul government expects the EV uptake rate to grow eventually as Ministry of Environment will implement a “Reward System for Low-Carbon Cars” that will take effect in 2015.
The “Reward System for Low-Carbon Cars” is a policy measure by which subsidies are given upon purchasing cars emitting less carbon dioxide while more levies are imposed on cars emitting greater carbon dioxide.
Written by Robin Koo (linguistkoo@koreabizwire.com)
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