Last week the South Korean government announced plans to accelerate the development of the electric vehicle industry in their country.  Revised plans now call for full-scale production of electric vehicles in 2011 instead of the previous target date of 2013.  The government views the competition to develop the next generation of automobiles and grab market share as important to South Korea’s long term economic health.

A range of automobiles including hybrid, plug-in and fuel cell powered will be supported.  The target goal is for South Korea to account for a 10% share of the global EV production by 2015.  Ironically, the country does not currently allow EVs to be operated on any roads.  However, as part of this initiative, the parliament is passing legislation to allow EVs including NEVs to be driven on the country’s roads.  Learn more:  yonhapnews.co.kr