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South Korea island of Jeju becoming an EV-incentive heaven

When it comes to providing some island EV love, we can point to Hawaii, which has been pushing hard for greater electric-vehicle adoption through subsidies and a broader charging network. Now, South Korea has Jeju. We're not sure if the surf is as good. Like Hawaii, Jeju is focusing on a "carbon-free" existence and lowered fossil-fuel dependency as a way to help the environment while addressing the extra expenses involved in providing fuel locally, Wards Auto says. Jeju, which is about 720 square miles, provides about $7,000 worth of EV incentives on top of those provided by the South Korean government. As a result, the cost of buying an EV can be cut in half. In the case of a Chevrolet Spark EV, going electric actually has a lower out-of-pocket price tag than buying a gas-powered counterpart on the island. South Korea's Ministry of Environment has earmarked about $14,000 in subsidies for each EV purchase, while 10 South Korean cities are adding on incentives anywhere from about $2,800 to $7,400 per vehicle. South Korean automaker Hyundai and affiliate Kia are just starting to do their part to boost the country's EV sales, which didn't even break the 800-unit mark last year. Kia recently said it will start making its 2015 model-year Soul EV in April, with sales debuting in South Korea by the end of the year. Hyundai is said to start selling its own EV starting in 2016. News Source: Wards AutoImage Credit: Korean Tourism Organization Government/Legal Green Hyundai Kia Electric incentives tax incentives island

Hyundai to unveil hydrogen fuel cell semi truck

Small interconnected hexagons surround the lit-up badge on the nose of Hyundai's new semi-truck. Though some might see the angular lines as part of a simple grille design, Hyundai portrays it as a scientific symbol of what the truck is all about. The teaser above is the first look at the company's newest fuel cell electric vehicle. Hyundai has been experimenting with and producing fuel cell-powered products for years already. The Tuscon ( ix35 in other markets) is historic in that it's one of the only complete hydrogen vehicles to make it to market. The Nexo, which we had the chance to drive, is the company's first dedicated fuel cell platform, and a recent partnership with Audi demonstrates just how serious Hyundai is about the technology. The next step is applying it to commercial vehicles. While this is simply a teaser, the truck will officially debut at the IAA Commercial Vehicles show, which takes place from September 20 to 27 in Hanover, Germany. Hyundai held back on details, but the sketch does show the truck with numerous aerodynamic pieces, including a streamlined cabin, spokeless dish wheels, a spoiler and a "side protector" that runs alongside the truck and tucks the wheels underneath. At the event, Hyundai will announce official figures and specs on the truck. It is slated to hit the market in 2019, but as of now, it is expected to be in European markets only. Check back for updates soon. Related Video: News Source: Hyundai Green Misc. Auto Shows Hyundai Alternative Fuels Technology Emerging Technologies Truck Commercial Vehicles Electric Hydrogen Cars semi truck iaa

Hyundai and Kia adding Google Maps API to nav systems

Hyundai's Blue Link and Kia's UVO infotainment systems will be adding three Google features: Send2Car, Point of Interest Search and Local Search by Voice. Send2Car lets travelers send destinations to their vehicle's navigation system from a computer or via a mobile phone app, and the POI and local searches are continuously updated in Google Places' database. The new data service integrations mean that drivers will have more access to more destinations and be able to find them more quickly.
Hyundai hasn't said when the new features will debut nor on what model. Kia buyers will find them introduced on the 2014 Kia Sorento expected to roll into dealerships shortly, with the Forte sedan following. You'll find a press release on the updates below.