Jeonnam e-Mobility Regulatory Free Zone to Launch '4-Wheeled Electric Two-Wheelers'

Start of Driving Demonstration for 4-Wheel Electric Two-Wheelers and Agricultural Electric Power Carriers

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Cheol-hyun] The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (Minister Park Young-sun, hereinafter referred to as the Ministry) and Jeollanam-do (Governor Kim Young-rok) announced that they have officially launched the driving demonstration of the "4-wheel electric motorcycle" and "agricultural power carrier," which are demonstration projects of the "Jeonnam e-Mobility Regulatory Sandbox," starting from the 15th. This demonstration involves the installation of cargo racks on 4-wheel electric motorcycles and the relaxation of load capacity limits and expansion of passenger capacity for agricultural power carriers. The demonstration is conducted in a safe environment secured with safety devices and prior safety education, within the special zone area of Yeonggwang-gun, Jeollanam-do.

Until now, among electric motorcycles, cargo loading has been allowed for 2-wheel and 3-wheel types, but there was an unreasonable regulation that prohibited cargo loading on the relatively safer 4-wheel electric motorcycles. Agricultural power carriers were restricted to a passenger capacity of one and a minimum load capacity of 200 kg, making it impossible for two people, such as elderly couples in rural areas, to ride together, and farmers engaged in small-scale partial harvesting and sales had to use unnecessarily large carriers. Due to these regulations, which were disconnected from the realities of rural work, 4-wheel motorcycles and agricultural power carriers inevitably faced difficulties in developing products that meet field demands.

In July of last year, the "Jeonnam e-Mobility Regulatory Sandbox," designated as the first special zone, allowed cargo loading on 4-wheel electric motorcycles and expanded the passenger capacity of agricultural power carriers from one to two, while relaxing the load capacity from 200 kg to 100 kg. This demonstration exception enabled verification of driving safety through driving demonstrations of vehicles equipped with cargo boxes and safety devices in this demonstration.

The Ministry evaluated this demonstration as meaningful in that it is the first attempt to relax regulations that have been obstacles to the development of 4-wheel electric motorcycles and agricultural power carriers. If this demonstration leads to regulatory relaxation, it is expected to play a significant role in the commercialization of 4-wheel electric motorcycles and agricultural power carriers.

With the commencement of demonstrations for 4-wheel electric motorcycles and agricultural power carriers, all projects of the "Jeonnam e-Mobility Regulatory Sandbox," composed of five detailed projects, have started demonstrations. The Jeonnam e-Mobility Regulatory Sandbox has attracted a total investment of 118.3 billion KRW, including investment agreements with five companies such as KST Electric in June, and has shown tangible results since its designation, such as the completion of a micro electric vehicle factory with an annual production capacity of 30,000 units and a 3- and 4-wheel electric motorcycle factory with an annual production capacity of 12,000 units.

Kim Hee-cheon, head of the Regulatory Sandbox Planning Group at the Ministry, said, "The Jeonnam e-Mobility Regulatory Sandbox is establishing itself as a model for regional innovation growth by producing meaningful results such as attracting investment and building infrastructure," and added, "We will actively support the e-Mobility special zone to grow as a forward base for future industries and a key hub for regional balanced New Deal."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.