Ministry of Environment to Expand Electric Excavator Distribution... Support for Early Retirement of Old Diesel Excavators Planned

Vice Minister Hong Jeong-gi Attends Electric Excavator Demonstration Event
75% Less Noise and 40% Lower Maintenance Costs Compared to Diesel Excavators

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Joo Sang-don] The Ministry of Environment announced on the 8th that it plans to provide subsidies for early retirement of old diesel excavators to promote the expansion of electric excavator distribution.

Vice Minister Hong Jeong-gi of the Ministry of Environment attended the electric excavator demonstration event held at Taehwagang National Garden in Ulsan City in the afternoon and said, "We will promptly promote improvements to related systems such as support for early retirement of old diesel excavators, purchase subsidies, and mandatory procurement in the public sector."

Excavators are used in various fields, including urban construction sites for demolition, excavation, and dismantling work, as well as agricultural uses such as maintaining vinyl greenhouses, livestock barns, and drainage channels.

In particular, electric excavators have the advantage of producing noise at about 75% of that of diesel excavators, emitting no air pollutants, and having approximately 40% lower maintenance costs.

Currently, 1-ton and 3.5-ton electric excavators have been released, but promotion of their performance has been insufficient, and there is a lack of diverse models by weight, resulting in low demand. However, from October this year, 1.2-ton and 1.7-ton electric excavators are scheduled to be released, which will increase buyers' options. The Ministry of Environment expects the distribution of electric excavators to increase as promotion through demonstrations and exhibitions expands.

In addition to providing purchase subsidies, the Ministry of Environment is pursuing multifaceted support to improve conditions for electric excavator distribution. Until now, subsidies were provided for only one unit per individual or corporation, but guidelines have been revised this month to allow bulk purchases. Furthermore, related regulations will be amended within this year to provide early retirement subsidies for old diesel excavators.

Along with this, the Ministry plans to actively promote electric excavator demonstrations and exhibitions in cooperation with local governments and related associations, and to include electric excavators in the mandatory purchase and lease system for public institutions with high demand for electric excavators.

Vice Minister Hong said, "At the demonstration site, I confirmed that electric excavators are eco-friendly, produce less noise, and have good excavation performance," adding, "We will work closely with local governments and related industries to actively promote electric excavator distribution measures so that electric excavators can be conveniently used where needed, such as urban construction sites and rural areas."

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