Seoul City plans to expand operation of `green vehicles`

Seoul City plans to expand the operation of environment-friendly "green vehicles" in some areas of the capital as part of efforts to enhance air quality and cut greenhouse gas emissions.

With a budget of 4.7 billion won ($4.03 million), the city plans to replace shuttle buses running on three routes around Mount Nam with electric ones next year. It will test-operate the buses in January and put 15 electric buses in operation in phases.

The buses, which run on domestically-produced lithium-ion batteries, do not emit any harmful gases and make little noise, officials said.

A total of 10.9 billion won will be spent next year for the project aimed at expanding the use of electric vehicles, including electric motorbikes, and establishing recharging facilities in the capital.

At World Cup Park in western Seoul, the city plans to begin running three electric buses in October next year, which can be recharged cordlessly. It hopes to establish a "Zero Emission Zone" by replacing all vehicles in the park with green vehicles.

By 2020, the city plans to establish more than 7,000 electric vehicle rechargers in public places such as parking lots.

The city also plans to offer financial assistance to help restaurants replace their delivery motorcycles with electric ones.

(sshluck@heraldm.com)



By Song Sang-ho