[EV Expo] ‘Electric cars key to carbon-free Jejudo Island’

Korea’s ambitious green project to transform Jejudo Island into a carbon-free island by 2030 is drawing attention from policy makers and electric carmakers from around the world.

Jejudo Island is the nation’s largest island with a population of 600,000. Since vision 2030 was presented last year, citizens and visitors there have seen a growing number of electric cars, smart homes and wind farms built on the coastlines. 


“It is natural for electric cars to take a critical role in the transition, as going green in transportation is critical for the carbon-free project,” Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Governor Won Hee-ryong said at the 3rd International Electric Vehicle Expo which kicked off in Jejudo Island on Friday. 


As part of its green-city push, the city government announced a plan to convert the current 377,000 fossil fuel-based cars on roads there to electric cars.

The nation’s most popular holiday destination has already built its reputation as a global electric vehicle city, with the number of electric vehicles on the road growing at a fast pace.

About 2,366 electric vehicles, which makes up about 40 percent of the entire supply of such vehicles, have been registered in Jejudo Island as of last year. Some 4,000 new electric vehicles will be supplied to the island city this year.

Experts agree that Jejudo Island is a natural fit for the testing of electric vehicles because it is oval-shaped and has a 200-km round track, making it possible to travel around the island on a single battery charge.

The Island also has spent years building up free electric vehicle charging infrastructure, which will serve as an incentive for residents to switch to battery-powered cars.

“Despite the continued improvements, there are many challenges to tackle for the 2030 vision,” the governor said.

‘‘Besides individual car owners, Jejudo Island also has to improve weak electric vehicle infrastructure for businesses, including rental cars, buses and taxies.’’

By Seo Jee-yeon
(jyseo@heraldcorp.com)









서지연기자@heraldcorp.com