South Korean government extends tax incentives to fuel cell vehicles
The South Korean government is to provide tax incentives of $3,500 for the purchase of fuel cell vehicles to promote the adoption of the technology. This extends the country's comprehensive tax incentive scheme, which was previously only offered for electric and hybrid vehicles, and fits with the increasing popularity of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) in the auto industry. There are currently very few FCVs in South Korea, and little refuelling infrastructure, however, investment in hydrogen stations is expected to increase along with the FCV sales. 

The measure included in the tax revision is aimed at boosting the country’s renewable energy businesses’ competitiveness. Until now, reduction in the 5 percent special consumption tax was only provided to electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles. For hybrid vehicles, the tax was cut by up to 1 million won, and by up to 2 million won for electric vehicles. The government also plans to increase support for businesses linked to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.In addition to the new tax benefit for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, the government said that income and corporate taxes will be cut by 30 percent for SMEs that operate electric vehicles for business. To be eligible, 50 percent or more of the vehicles used for business need to be electric.By Choi He-suk ( cheesuk@heraldcorp.com