Jeju Launches Private Hydrogen Passenger Car Distribution with Unprecedented 39.5 Million Won Subsidy per Vehicle

Nation’s Highest Purchase Subsidy Set... 79 NEXO Units Available
Charging Fee Reduction and Four Charging Stations by 2027
Applications Open Today Until July 6, Recipients Chosen by Lottery in July

Jeju Special Self-Governing Province is set to launch its “2026 Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle Private Distribution” initiative, accelerating greenhouse gas reduction and decarbonization in the transportation sector. The program offers an exceptional purchase subsidy of 39.5 million won per vehicle—the highest in the nation—with applications open until July 6.

Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Government Building.

This year’s allocation consists of a total of 79 units of Hyundai Motor’s hydrogen passenger car, “The All-New NEXO.” The incentive, which combines 22.5 million won in central government funding and 17 million won in provincial funding, is the largest nationwide. Of the total supply, eight vehicles are reserved for priority recipients such as vulnerable groups, national merit awardees, families with multiple children, and first-time car buyers.

Eligibility is limited to residents of Jeju who are at least 18 years old and have lived on the island for more than three months as of the application date, as well as corporations and public institutions with business locations in Jeju. Final recipients will be selected through an electronic lottery on July 10.

Hydrogen vehicle buyers will not only receive the subsidy, but will also benefit from extensive tax and ancillary incentives, including up to 4 million won off the individual consumption tax, up to 1.4 million won off the acquisition tax, and a 50% discount on public parking fees.

To further alleviate economic burdens for users, the government plans to lower the supply price using green hydrogen sales support funds. The number of green hydrogen charging stations—currently only one in Hamdeok—will be increased to four, including new stations in Seogwipo and Beonyeong-ro, by 2027. The advance reservation system via the HiCare app will also continue to be operated.

This hydrogen vehicle distribution initiative is seen as a practical signal of mobility ecosystem transformation, expanding Jeju’s “CFI 2030 (Carbon-Free Island)” and Green Hydrogen Global Hub vision into the daily lives of residents.

In particular, by investing an unprecedented amount of provincial funding to significantly lower purchase barriers, and by simultaneously addressing chronic issues such as a lack of charging infrastructure and high hydrogen prices through a dual-track strategy of financial support and infrastructure expansion, the province’s strong commitment to fostering the hydrogen industry is evident.

Namjin Kim, Director-General of Innovative Industry at Jeju Province, stated, “Hydrogen vehicles emit only water, with no exhaust gases, and serve as ‘moving air purifiers’ that clean fine dust. By providing the nation’s highest level of subsidies and proactively expanding infrastructure, we will further enhance the living conditions so that Jeju residents can enjoy eco-friendly mobility with greater convenience.”

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