[THE INVESTOR] South Korea will spend about 200 billion won (US$180.30 million) this year to sharply expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure nationwide, the Trade Ministry said Aug. 2.

Under the plan, led by the Korea Electric Power Corp. the government will build 150 on-street stations by November to accommodate 300 super chargers that are available for privately owned electric cars and taxis for a fee. It will also install about 30,000 regular chargers at apartment complexes across the nation, according to the ministry.

Seoul and Jejudo will each house 60 charging points to run a total of 240 super chargers, with the remaining 60 super chargers to be built at 30 stations in other parts of the country, the ministry said, adding the fee will be determined later.

It will also establish five flagship charging stations in Seoul for comprehensive one-stop services from electric car-related businesses such as carmakers, rent-a-car firms and repair shops.

KEPCO will install 30,000 regular chargers at some 4,000 apartment complexes in the country by the end of this year to help electric car drivers use their machines more conveniently.

()