[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] During the Lunar New Year holiday, when long-distance driving is common, can hydrogen fuel cell vehicles operate without worrying about charging? Thanks to the government's eco-friendly vehicle subsidy benefits, the number of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles is on the rise. However, since charging stations located on major highways are severely insufficient, it seems necessary to fully consider road traffic conditions before driving and to plan charging in advance.
According to the 'Regional Hydrogen Vehicle Distribution Status' submitted by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy to Kim Gyu-hwan, a member of the National Assembly's Industry, Trade, Small and Medium Enterprises Committee from the Liberty Korea Party, as of November last year, a total of 4,650 hydrogen fuel cell vehicles were distributed nationwide.
On the other hand, hydrogen charging stations are still insufficient. Specifically, the charging stations installed nationwide are ▲Seoul 3 (National Assembly, Yangjae, Sangam) ▲Busan 2 (H Busan, West Busan NK) ▲Incheon 1 (H Incheon Eco Station) ▲Gwangju 2 (Jingok, Donggok) ▲Daejeon 1 (Hakha) ▲Ulsan 6 (Eonyang Rest Area (Seoul direction), Green·Shinil Complex Charging Station, Maeam·Gyeongdong, Okdong LPG Hydrogen Complex Charging Station) ▲Gyeonggi 4 (H Hanam, Yeoju Rest Area (Gangneung direction), Anseong Rest Area (Busan direction), Anseong Rest Area (Seoul direction)) ▲Chungnam 1 (Naepo Hydrogen Charging Station) ▲Jeonnam 1 (Baekyangsa Rest Area (Nonsan)) ▲Gyeongbuk 1 (Seongju Rest Area (Yangpyeong)) ▲Gyeongnam 3 (Haman (Busan direction), Changwon Seongju·Changwon Pallyong·Changwon Deokdong), etc.
Among these, a total of 8 hydrogen charging stations are operating at highway rest areas (Anseong, Eonyang, Baekyangsa, Seongju, Yeoju, Haman, Hanam Mannam Rest Areas).
Additionally, there are no hydrogen fuel cell vehicle charging stations in Gangwon, Daegu, and Jeju, so special caution is required.
An automotive industry official pointed out, "When driving a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle in rural areas, it is essential to set the route in advance and check whether charging is possible. Especially during holidays, traffic congestion often occurs, so it is important to calculate generously."
The government aims to build 310 hydrogen charging stations nationwide by this year. By 2040, there will be about 1,200 nationwide. If the government's plan proceeds as scheduled, by 2030, charging will be possible within 20 minutes in major cities and within 75 km on highways. By 2040, these figures will be reduced to 15 minutes and 50 km, respectively.
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