[AutoDaily] Renault Samsung is trying to spread supply expansion of their electric vehicle into Chang-won where GM Korea manufactures their EV's.
 
First off, Renault Samsung has already been trying to spread their electric vehicle to Jeju island. Now they are targeting the Chang-won region for a new EV market from 4th October.
 
GM Korea produces their Chevrolet Spark EV in Chang-won which has been exporting them to the U.S. market since June 2013. It has recently been released in Korea.
 
The city of Chang-won wants to provide 300 EV cars by 2015. And it will be providing 20 EV's to the government office and 30 for public demonstrations. If residents in Chang-won buy an EV, they will get a 15 million won subsidy from the Ministry of Environment and a 6 million won subsidy from the city of Chang-won. On top of that, people in Chang-won will also get tax benefits and will support battery charging for up to 8 million won.
 
Now, Renault Samsung is a step ahead of GM Korea at rapid battery charging for EV vehicles.
 
Renault set up a service center in Chang-won to supply EV's with an AC rapid battery charger. Renault is also ready to sell EV's in Chang-won.
 
Yun Dong-hun who is an EV marketing chief for Renault Samsung said that they have focused on providing EV's to the civilian market after the Juju regional government program. He said they expect good results in Chang-won with the SM3 ZE.
 
Meanwhile, the Chevrolet Spark EV launch on 27th August, GM Korea concluded an MOU with Chang-won on spreading their EV market. GM Korea is having a difficult time setting up its rapid battery charger, though.
 
The Chevrolet Spark EV uses the rapid standardized Combo TYPE 1 battery charger. This charger wasn't standardized in Korea so they couldn't use it. Korea only allows the CHADEMO format and the three-phase alternating current format.
 
The Chevrolet Spark EV is able to be plugged in at home but needs 6 to 8 hours to charge, which is inconvenient.
 
GM Korea is trying to resolve this problem as soon as possible and will soon, within this month, be providing 14 Spark EV's for operation to the city of Chang-won under their MOU contract.
 
 
By Shin Seungyoung.
(translate by Lee Jeonghwa)