Yangcheon-gu, Nation's First Streetlight-Based Charging System Established

Electric Vehicle Charging System Installed in Front of Yangcheon Culture Center: 5 Chargers, 10 Parking Spaces... Pilot Operation Until December 25 with 50% Discounted Fees... Charging Systems for 36 Chargers and 72 Parking Spaces in Local On-Street Parking Lots to Be Completed by Year-End

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Mr. Bae, who recently purchased an electric vehicle and lives in Sinjeong-dong, is very satisfied because there are no exhaust emissions and no fuel cost burden, but he feels uneasy every time a notification appears indicating low charge. There are not many charging stations around his home, and it is common to find other vehicles already charging at the stations he manages to find.

With growing interest in climate change response and a low-carbon economy, and following recent government trends in eco-friendly policies and the expansion of eco-friendly vehicle distribution, the number of electric vehicle drivers is expected to continue increasing. However, charging stations remain insufficient compared to demand. Private parking lots avoid installing charging stations, and public facility parking lots have limitations, making it difficult to establish groundbreaking charging infrastructure.

Yangcheon-gu (District Mayor Kim Soo-young) took note of this and planned an electric vehicle charging system utilizing existing streetlights and on-street parking lots, completing its installation last month in the on-street parking lot in front of Yangcheon Culture Hall.

The district jointly developed the system with Guardian ENG, completing development in September. Using a budget of 60 million KRW secured through the ‘2020 Yangcheon-gu Living Site Smart City Special Zone Creation Project’ contest, five chargers (serving 10 parking spaces) were installed.

The chargers utilizing streetlights installed this time can charge not only electric vehicles but also the recently surging demand for smart e-mobility devices (ultra-small electric vehicles, electric bicycles, kickboards, electric wheelchairs, etc.). Up to four units?two electric vehicles and two smart mobility devices?can be charged and paid for simultaneously with multi-charging capability.

The charging station operates 24 hours a day, and the charging fee is 252 KRW per kW. It is being operated on a trial basis until December 25, during which users can enjoy a 50% discounted rate of 126 KRW.

Payments can be made using regular credit cards, public transportation cards (T-money), or Ministry of Environment RFID cards.

Because the chargers utilize streetlights and on-street parking lots, the issue of securing land is resolved. They can be installed in various locations such as residential and commercial areas, parks, and libraries, so the district expects residents to actively use them, greatly enhancing convenience.

In addition to the on-street parking lot charging station at Yangcheon Culture Hall, the district is also conducting installation work for 30 electric vehicle chargers at six locations within the area, investing 600 million KRW secured through the ‘2020 Smart Solution Challenge Project’ contest. Once construction is completed by the end of December, a total of 36 chargers serving 72 on-street parking spaces will be available for electric vehicle charging throughout Yangcheon-gu.

Kim Soo-young, Mayor of Yangcheon-gu, stated, “In the future, charging electric vehicles in Yangcheon-gu will be as easy as charging a mobile phone,” and added, “We will continuously expand charging infrastructure for eco-friendly transportation and actively respond with essential environmental policies that go beyond eco-friendliness.”