Hydrogen-Electric Vehicles on the Rise in Korea: Calls for National Support
Key Ideas
- Cumulative supply of hydrogen-electric vehicles in Korea expected to surpass 50,000 units this year, with 39,216 already on the road as of March.
- Government subsidies confirmed for 13,000 vehicles, along with the launch of Hyundai Motor's new hydrogen electric vehicle model, accelerating the adoption of hydrogen cars.
- Challenges with the slow pace of installing hydrogen charging stations nationwide, highlighting the need for increased infrastructure to support the growing fleet of hydrogen cars.
- Calls for national-level management and support to stabilize the hydrogen supply chain, integrate hydrogen into energy policies, and ensure the sustainability of the hydrogen economy in Korea.
The article discusses the increasing adoption of hydrogen-electric vehicles in Korea, with the cumulative supply expected to exceed 50,000 units this year. As of March, there were already 39,216 hydrogen cars on the road, with government subsidies confirmed for an additional 13,000 vehicles. Hyundai Motor's new hydrogen electric vehicle model, Nexo, is expected to further drive the growth of hydrogen cars in the country. However, the pace of installing hydrogen charging stations has not kept up with the supply of vehicles, with only 218 stations nationwide as of April.
There are calls for national and local government-level support to manage the growing fleet of hydrogen cars effectively. Experts emphasize the need to expand charging infrastructure in urban areas to facilitate the widespread adoption of hydrogen-electric vehicles. Hyundai Motor's development of a high-pressure mobile hydrogen charging station is seen as a positive step in addressing infrastructure challenges.
The article also highlights the importance of stabilizing the hydrogen supply chain, from production to distribution, to support the growth of hydrogen-electric vehicles. Currently, there is no dedicated agency in Korea managing the entire hydrogen supply chain, leading to concerns about supply stability and fluctuating prices. The article compares Korea's approach to hydrogen management with countries like the United States, Japan, and China, which have dedicated agencies overseeing hydrogen policies.
In conclusion, the article emphasizes the need for national-level integration and management of hydrogen, similar to electricity and gas, to ensure the sustainability and growth of the hydrogen economy in Korea. By stabilizing the supply chain, expanding charging infrastructure, and implementing supportive policies, Korea aims to boost the adoption of hydrogen-electric vehicles and establish itself as a leader in the hydrogen market.
Topics
Production
Electric Vehicles
Government Support
Charging Infrastructure
Automobile Industry
Hyundai Motor
Supply Chain Management
Hydrogen Economy
National Policy
Latest News