South Korean hypermarket chain E-Mart Inc. will put charging stations for electric vehicles in all of its 140 outlets over the next three years, Yonhap News Agency reported July 2.

The Shinsegae Inc.-owned retailer this week will start installing the charging stations in four stores in the cities of Sokcho and Gangneung, the news wire said. E-Mart reportedly plans to set up charging stations in six more outlets this year.

The charging stations will provide both fast and slow charging for electric vehicles. The fast-charging service will cost about 7,000 won and will take about 20 minutes to fully charge an electric car, while the slow-charging service will take about 4 hours, the report said.

The company's move is in line with the South Korean government's initiative to promote zero-emission cars, Yonhap added.

As of July 2, US$1 was equivalent to 1,119.63 South Korean won.