By Kim Eun-young and Kim Minji

The nation's first double-decker electric bus developed exclusively with domestic technology will begin operations on April 26.

The Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transportation on April 21 held an unveiling ceremony for the green vehicle in Incheon's Yeonsu-gu District.

The bus will serve a route connecting Samseong Station in Seoul and Yeonsu-gu, and be gradually added to other routes.

The maximum seating capacity is 70 with space for two wheelchairs on the lower floor.

Hyundai Motor and the Korea Transportation Safety Authority began their two-year development of this eco-friendly and low-level bus in 2017 with a combined investment of KRW 6 billion.

The bus uses a large-capacity battery of 384 kilowatts and can travel up to 447 km on a single charge. USB sockets are on the bottom of the seats and a control system ensures stability in the event of sudden braking or turning.

Vice Minister of Environment Hong Jeong-kee said, "The official adoption of electricity to power double-decker buses, most of which had run on diesel fuel, for the first time is inspiring," adding, "We will increase the supply of hydrogen- and electric-powered vehicles as those frequently used by the people."

eykim@korea.kr