By Kim Se-jeong
The Ministry of Environment and the Gwangju Metropolitan Government launched a renewable energy-powered car rental service in the city Monday, including 15 hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, in an attempt to raise awareness on eco-friendly transportation.
This is was the first time for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles to be available for rent.
In addition to the 15, 27 others run on electricity.
The Car Sharing project is for those who need vehicles for less than one hour. Customers must make reservations online and pick up the vehicle from a designated parking lot. The rent will cost 3,950 won per 30 minutes.
"Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles usually cost more thus making it more difficult for people to experience them," said Environment Minister Cho Kyeung-kyu. "I hope this service will give people a chance to ride in a fuel cell vehicle and become motivated to buy one."
The fuel cell car is the Tucson IX made by Hyundai Motor Co. It has a range of 415 kilometers with a full battery, a big advantage compared to electric vehicles.
Electric vehicles are popular for their zero-emission feature. Jeju Island's rental service sets a good example to raise awareness of electric vehicles among the public. Other provinces and metropolitan cities are following Jeju's lead.
Around the world, electric and fuel cell vehicles are gaining traction. Their popularity has also increased in Korea, but it's got a lot to catch up to as people still prefer gas powered vehicles. The government is adopting different measures to encourage the public to purchase electric cars.
The Ministry of Environment and the Gwangju Metropolitan Government launched a renewable energy-powered car rental service in the city Monday, including 15 hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, in an attempt to raise awareness on eco-friendly transportation.
This is was the first time for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles to be available for rent.
In addition to the 15, 27 others run on electricity.
The Car Sharing project is for those who need vehicles for less than one hour. Customers must make reservations online and pick up the vehicle from a designated parking lot. The rent will cost 3,950 won per 30 minutes.
"Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles usually cost more thus making it more difficult for people to experience them," said Environment Minister Cho Kyeung-kyu. "I hope this service will give people a chance to ride in a fuel cell vehicle and become motivated to buy one."
The fuel cell car is the Tucson IX made by Hyundai Motor Co. It has a range of 415 kilometers with a full battery, a big advantage compared to electric vehicles.
Electric vehicles are popular for their zero-emission feature. Jeju Island's rental service sets a good example to raise awareness of electric vehicles among the public. Other provinces and metropolitan cities are following Jeju's lead.
Around the world, electric and fuel cell vehicles are gaining traction. Their popularity has also increased in Korea, but it's got a lot to catch up to as people still prefer gas powered vehicles. The government is adopting different measures to encourage the public to purchase electric cars.
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