Seoul City to Distribute 700 Eco-Friendly Electric Taxis This Year ... Up to 18.2 Million KRW Support

Expansion of Supply Vehicle Models to 19 Types, Including All Subsidized Vehicles

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on the 9th that it plans to supply 700 electric taxis this year and is recruiting taxi operators to participate in the electric taxi support project.

Any taxi transportation operator holding a Seoul taxi license can apply, and support will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis until the budget is exhausted.

Taxis have an average daily operating distance of 220 km for individual operators and 440 km for corporations. Replacing conventional taxis with electric taxis is evaluated to have a significant effect on improving air quality.

Last year, Seoul supplied four electric taxi models, but this year, the support target has been expanded to all models eligible for operation as taxis and receiving subsidies from the Ministry of Environment, regardless of model type. Accordingly, the electric taxi purchase subsidy this year covers 19 models from 7 companies, encouraging competition among domestic and foreign vehicles and broadening the choices for taxi operators.

While the purchase subsidy for general electric passenger cars is up to 12.7 million KRW per vehicle, electric taxis can receive up to 18.2 million KRW.

To apply for the electric taxi support project, after signing a purchase contract for an electric taxi, related documents must be submitted by the automobile manufacturer or importer on the 'Low Emission Vehicle Integrated Information' website (ev.or.kr). Detailed information can be found in the 'Notices and Announcements' section on the Seoul Metropolitan Government website.

To expand the supply of electric taxis, Seoul will prioritize the allocation of electric taxis regardless of total operating volume if operators apply for the special restriction category 'Ra' exclusive to electric taxis. The Ra category allows operation on Fridays, when passenger demand is high, making it the most preferred by individual taxi operators.

Kim Ki-bong, head of the Taxi Logistics Division of Seoul City, said, "We will continue to expand the supply of eco-friendly electric taxis, which have a long operating distance and a significant effect on improving air quality," and added, "We hope for the active interest and participation of taxi operators."