[Aju News DB]
US company Tesla Motors has applied for government certification to sell the 90D version of its Model S electric sedan in South Korea before opening its first showroom.
Tesla's request this week for certifications on emissions and noise is expected to be approved quickly by South Korea's environment ministry. South Korea provides subsidies to electric cars, but it's still unclear whether Tesla will be able to meet requirements such as after-sale service.
Telsa has gained global attention by producing the Model S, and its standard Model 3 capable of running 346 kilometers (215 miles) on a single charge will be available by late 2017. The Model S 90 D is said to go 473 kilometers on a single charge.
The US company will open an electric car retail shop in Starfield Hanam, a major resort and shopping complex in Seoul's southern satellite city of Hanam, and charging stations at the retail giant's outlets.
By June next year, Tesla plans to set up 25 charging stations at department stores and other distribution outlets affiliated with Shinsegae, a big box store franchise.
Aju News Lim Chang-won = cwlim34@ajunews.com
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
