The province is streamlining regulations to put more electric vehicles on island roads. Although purchase subsidies will be cut, more chargers will be installed around the island. Here’s Joseph Kim with the details.



Report

The province has subsidized electric vehicle purchases since 2013.

3,600 EVs have been put on the island roads over the last three years. It accounts for almost 50 percent the total number nationwide.

And it accounts for more than 1 percent of registered cars in Jeju. An outstanding result.


However, EV drivers have pointed out that the island needs a more robust charging infrastructure.

This is the reason why the province modified e-vehicle policies in line with the declaration of the e-vehicle 2.0 era.

[slug] Press conference about ‘EV 2.0 Era’

Governor Won Heeryong noted that his office will cut purchase subsidies gradually, but will instead focus on chargers.

INTERVIEW
Won Heeryong / Governor
We will put more EV chargers across the island. The installation will be mandatory to receive approval to build apartment complexes and public facilities like parks. We will work to make driving electric cars convenient.
<원희룡/제주특별자치도지사>
"신규로 공동주택 근린생활 시설 등에 충전기 의무 설치 제도화로 더 이상 전기차 이용에 충전으로 인한 불편함이 없도록 충전 인프라를 최적화시키겠습니다."


About 250 chargers including more than190 quick chargers will be added by the end of this year.

The province will build six huge charging stations at popular areas on the island.


Regulations on e-vehicles will be drastically eased.

[slug] Eased regulations

In the past, written consent from neighbors was required for building an EV charger, but that will no longer be the case.

Additionally, portable chargers will be installed for flexible use of parking areas.

The island is seeking input from EV drivers and participation from the private sector.

[slug] Province seeking input from private sector

Input and ideas from EV drivers, arts and tourism will be infused into the electric automobile project.

INTERVIEW
Won Heeryong / Governor
We welcome any ideas from EV drivers, experts, and clubs to solve issues and develop policies.
<인터뷰:원희룡/제주특별자치도지사>
"전기차 커뮤니티 서포터즈 등 이용자와 전문가들이 제시하는 다양한 아이디어나 문제점들을 전기차 정책에 활발하게 접목시켜 나가겠습니다."

[slug] Seoul cuts purchase subsidies

However, critics say the island’s policy change is inevitably made because the national government has cut EV purchase subsidies.

Seoul has cut the 2017 budget for EV subsidies by 50 percent from 30,000 EVs to 15,000 EVs.

INTERVIEW
Mun Won-il / Provincial government official
National ministries are more interested in EVs than we expected. We’re paying close attention to the industry and environment ministries.
<인터뷰:문원일 제주특별자치도 전략산업추진본부장>
"정부에서 저희보다 더 적극적입니다. 산업부나 환경부가 계속 상황을 체크하고 지금 알려진 것보다 더 관심이 높다 이해하면 되겠습니다."

[REPORTER] Joseph Kim
[CAMERA] Ko Moon-su

Critics also point out that the island’s plan to create EV Olle roads and EV pilgrimage routes is far-fetched. They add EV users want more EV models and EV garages, instead.

Joseph Kim, KCTV