Dec 22 2009
In an attempt to improve the city’s environmental air quality by encouraging the transformation of existing gas taxis into hybrid vehicles, the Seoul Metropolitan Government commenced a test-run of eco-friendly taxis. The city government entered into an agreement with the Ministry of Environment of Korea, Hyundai-Kia Motors and Korea LPG Association, and Korea National Joint Conference of Taxi Association for launching the first fleet of hybrid taxis.
Acknowledging the urgency of the need to improve the quality of air in the city, the organizations have decided to support the city government’s initiative. While the Korea National Joint Conference of Taxi Association will select and monitor the participating taxi companies, Hyundai-Kia Motors will monitor and develop technologies as well as analyze the durability of the vehicle parts. Korea LPG Association will be responsible for fuel supply and administrative support will be offered by the Ministry of Environment and the Seoul Metropolitan Government.
Powered by liquefied petroleum gas, there are ten new hybrid taxis running in the city, supplied by five of Seoul’s vehicle companies. Fitted with Liquefied Petroleum Injection engine, these taxis deliver 1,600cc engine power, and feature a 15kw auxiliary motor that generates electricity required for battery charging, by motor recovery with braking energy otherwise spent during downhill movement.
The engine in these hybrid taxis shut down when the vehicle is not running, eliminating unnecessary fuel consumption during engine idling. This feature is especially useful in taxis as they usually spend a lot of time waiting with their engines running. A city official commented that hybrid taxis are environmentally friendly, reduce over six tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually and bring down air pollutant emissions by 50%. The introduction of hybrid vehicles is expected to gain momentum in 2010.
Source: http://english.seoul.go.kr/