South Korean government gives a push to mid-size electric cars to be made by 2014

While the global auto world is still looking at viable Electric Vehicle (EV) technology in small cars with Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf leading way, it has been reported that the South Korean government is interested in mid-size electric vehicles to be produced in the country from 2014, three years ahead of schedule, in an attempt to secure a dominant position in the global market.

According to media reports, the South Korean Ministry of Knowledge Economy has signed a memorandum of understanding late last month with a consortium led by the country's leading automaker Hyundai Motor to develop the country's first "mid-size" electric vehicle for commercial use by 2014. It was also mentioned that the ministry earlier sought to complete development of mid-size electric vehicles in 2017 under its so-called Green Car Development Plan, announced late last year.

The reports also mentioned that Hyundai Motor, along with its 43 partners and suppliers, developed the country's first compact electric vehicle, the BlueOn, last year and is set to produce about 250 units before the end of the year for use mostly by public offices. Kia Motors Corp, an affiliate of Hyundai, is also developing an electric compact utility vehicle, which is expected to be revealed at the end of this year, it was mentioned.

According to the ministry, the most outstanding characteristic of this project is that it will try to lower high prices and improve poor performance (of electric vehicles) that have been considered as an obstacle to promoting wide use of electric cars. It was also mentioned that Hyundai's BlueOn can travel up to 140 kilometers per six-hour recharge, shorter than 160 kilometers covered by its main Japanese rival the LEAF by Nissan Motor Co at present, the report stated.

View the original article here