In A Global First, Seoul Puts Electric Buses Into Commercial Service

For the first time anywhere in the world, the Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) has put environmentally-friendly full-size electric buses into commercial operation. The move, which will improve the city’s air quality, is the culmination of a one-and-a-half-year long project, and, according to SMG, puts the city in the lead with respect to large-sized electric vehicle technology. The buses’ high-capacity lithium–ion batteries can reach full charge in less than one-half hour, and they incorporate an energy-saving system that captures and reuses energy generated from braking. SMG initially replaced five gas-powered buses with the new electric buses, and plans to put 120,000 electric vehicles into service by 2020.