Hydrogen Vehicles

[Anchor Lead]

Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles have emerged as an environmentally friendly next-generation means of transportation. The Korean government has decided to supply hydrogen cars to the car sharing sector. However, it's unclear if the move will produce a desired outcome, as charging stations for hydrogen cars are in short supply.

[Pkg]

Hydrogen cars can run 300-400 kilometers on a single charge. Five hydrogen cars have been operated through a car sharing service in Gwangju, since last March. The project has drawn significant attention, as it's the first instance of hydrogen vehicles being used in everyday life.

[Soundbite] Kang Oh-soon(Manager at Hydrogen Car Sharing Center) : "These cars are rented out 5-10 times a day. More and more customers are starting to use them."

However, charging stations catering to hydrogen cars are in short supply. There is only one such station in the whole city of Gwangju, and 13 nationwide. As a result, traveling long distances in hydrogen cars is simply unrealistic.

[Soundbite] Song Bong-hee(User of Hydrogen Vehicles) : "I can't travel far in hydrogen cars because there are no charging stations. The conditions aren't right for the entire public to drive them yet."

The Gwangju City government plans to build another charging station this year, but it will likely do little to encourage drivers to use hydrogen cars. The government plans to supply 100,000 hydrogen cars by 2025, but measures are needed to improve the infrastructure, as there are no concrete plans yet on expanding charging stations.