02 Sep South Korea’s Propelled Goals For Electric Vehicles By 2025
Written by Craig T. Bouchard
Sep 2 · 4 min read
Environmental sustainability in the transportation sector is receiving global attention. As the world grapples with the impacts of COVID-19, scientists are calling attention to the positive environmental effects witnessed across the world. Personal mobility, as well as commercial trucking activity, is significantly minimized. As a result, greenhouse gas emissions are at their lowest point in decades. There is less smog hovering over the air, skies are clearer, and oceans are brimming with life. These impacts are propelling global leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators to spark systemic change in the transportation sector. As countries like South Korea pass legislation to implement EVs on the road, companies like Craig Bouchard’s Ecolution kWh work to provide clean energy for these fleets.
The No Diesel Plan
South Korea recently launched a forward-thinking program to propel the mainstream integration of EVs. Dubbed the No Diesel Plan, this initiative will ban diesel-powered vehicles in public sector fleets by 2025. Spearheaded by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the plan aims to phase out internal combustion engines on the road in the next 15 years. This plan is similar in scope to other initiatives taking shape across the globe. With a concise deadline and organization, the No Diesel Plan aims to pave the way for EVs in South Korea.
In Seoul, diesel vehicles account for a majority of public sector transportation. They are utilized in the public transportation system. They account for almost 65% of all vehicles used by the government, city-associated public organizations, and district uses. With over 5,000 diesel vehicles currently in use in the city, the No Diesel Plan hopes to replace roughly 3,500 of these vehicles with clean energy EVs by 2025. According to founders Bouchard, Medina and Then,, many of these vehicles would benefit as clean energy producers through the implementation of Ecolution kWh’s technologies.
The Problem With Diesel
Diesel engine vehicles add to the heavy pollution associated with the transportation industry. Diesel engines spew carbon dioxide. The sulfur content of diesel fuel is the culprit of concern when burned by diesel engines. They also generate nitrogen oxides, which contribute to the near-constant haze and smog hovering over metropolitan areas. They elicit greenhouse gases, adding to environmental issues. These include the pollution of water, air, and soil.
There are also many grave health concerns related to the emissions created by diesel engines, especially those powering refrigerated trailers, aka “Reefers.” Namely, they contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and respiratory diseases. Immediate exposure to diesel exhaust can also have impacts. These include headaches, nausea, and lightheadedness.
While changing sulfur regulations have minimized emissions slightly, diesel vehicles still account for vast pollution. Thus, eliminating these vehicles from public sector fleets is a great example for the private sector to follow. In order to achieve this goal, Ecolution kWh’s Bouchard, Medina and Then express that the government should work with auto manufacturers, and clean energy companies.
Implementing the No Diesel Plan
To implement the No Diesel Plan, Seoul will replace vast portions of its diesel fleet with clean energy EVs. Additionally, the government will work alongside automobile manufacturers, clean energy companies, and thought leaders to propel ongoing change. They hope to speed up the viable production of zero-emissions fire trucks, cleaning vehicles, and even ambulances. As part of this plan, the city will also introduce about 5,000 clean energy buses in its public transportation fleet.
Harnessing Clean Energy
Seoul’s initial plan to implement clean energy vehicles within the city’s public sector fleet is forward-moving. It will certainly cut down on significant emissions and set a powerful example to follow in the mainstream adaptation of EVs. It can also be taken a few steps further. Through the implementation of Ecolution kWh’s technology, many of these vehicles can become conductors of clean energy. This energy can extend the transport range of EVs, or be utilized for public sector infrastructure needs upon delivery.
Ecolution kWh creates bespoke zero-carbon emissions trucks, trailers, and train cars that act as conductors of kinetic energy in motion. The clean energy created via trailers can extend the driving range of EVs by up to 30%. In motion, it can also be utilized on-demand by plugged-in sources. This means that moving units can power on-board items, like refrigeration units in reefer trucks. For Seoul’s proposed clean energy ambulances and cleaning trucks, this technology could safely power on-board equipment. Acting as clean energy floating grids, the energy generated in motion can be delivered to needed sites, powering city infrastructure, and public sector operations.
Inspiring Change
South Korea’s No Diesel Plan is a well-timed incentive that plays on the currently rising global attention on climate change. Many cities are putting out similar initiatives and announcing concrete deadlines to meet desired changes. They are hoping that these set dates and allowances will inspire the public and private sector to follow suit.
Simultaneously, auto manufacturers and clean energy innovators are working to provide the infrastructure and technology needed to implement these changes. They are battling against previously cost-prohibitive products on the market, in hopes of creating viable alternatives. These innovators will provide the products that policymakers want to see on the roads, creating a cycle of change and evolution.