The Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to promote the use of electric cars among private institutions by subsidizing two-thirds of costs for purchase.

The government aims to distribute 385 electric cars this year to public and private organizations.

“Seoul City will be fully prepared for the dawning of the electric car era” said Jung Hung-soon, director of Green Transportation Policy Division at the municipal government.

The municipality has tried to increase the number of electric, hydrogen fuel cell and hybrid cars since 2009.

The city will provide a subsidy of around 30 million won ($2,600) per car, which costs around 45 million won, and a charger worth 8.8 million won.

The electric car, which takes six to eight hours to fully charge, is twice as energy efficient as gasoline-powered cars. It is estimated to save up to 1.2 million won a year.

The city’s promotion program uses Ray EV, a four-seater vehicle which can reach speeds of up to 130 kilometers per hour. It can run 91 kilometers per charge.

The application for the subsidies begins in early June.

It will also promote a green car sharing program, offering short-term rental in the latter half of this year.

By Kim Youngwon (wone0102@heraldcorp.com)