Jeju to introduce low-speed electric vehicles

Jeju will introduce dozens of low-speed electric vehicles for official use for the first time this year as part of efforts to promote environmentally friendly cars.According to central government, a total of 35 neighborhood electric vehicles or NEVs, which run at a maximum speed of 60 kilometers per hour, will be put to use at fire stations and parks, officials said. Officials said 15 vehicles will be introduced in the first half of the year and the rest in the second half.It will be the first time for the city government to put electric vehicles for official use, though such eco-friendly cars have been introduced at city-run parks and golf courses.NEVs, powered by lithium-polymer battery, are priced at about 20 million won (US$17,652) per unit.Guidelines have been sent to ward offices specifying the roads to be opened on April 14. Powered by lithium-polymer batteries with maximum speeds of 60 kilometers per hour, the "neighborhood electric vehicles" are touted as eco-friendly and emission-reducing modes of transportation.Officials say more charging facilities will have to be built for NEV's before they can be fully commercialized. Cars running on lithium-polymer batteries run an average 110 kilometers per charge. The central government said it plans to set up more than 100 charging facilities by the end of this year and increase the number to 600 by 2014.These NEVs will be introduced in various roads around Jeju, mainly Pyeonghwaro, Beonnyeongro, as well as detours areas around national highways in Jeju and Seogwipo cities.