LG Electronics is ramping up its efforts in the electric vehicle (EV) charging market by introducing advanced safety features to its slow chargers. (Image courtesy of LG Electronics)
SEOUL, Oct. 22 (Korea Bizwire) – LG Electronics is ramping up its efforts in the electric vehicle (EV) charging market by introducing advanced safety features to its slow chargers, aiming to alleviate customer concerns and accelerate its domestic EV charging business.
The company announced on October 21 that it will implement a dual safety system to prevent fires during charging in its 7kW slow chargers released for the South Korean market. This system combines smart control technology with an automatic power cut-off mechanism after charging completion.
The smart control technology enables the charger to receive battery charging information from the electric vehicle and relay it to a control system. If the control system detects any issues, it can immediately halt the charging process to prevent overcharging.
This technology utilizes a power line communication (PLC) modem in the charger and the electric vehicle communication controller (EVCC) to monitor charging information in real-time through the charging cable.
LG Electronics’ smart control technology has obtained certification for standard communication protocols between electric vehicles and chargers (ISO15118 VAS), as well as between chargers and control systems (OCPP). This certification ensures compliance with the requirements of the South Korean Ministry of Environment’s Slow Charger Installation Subsidy Program and allows for potential expansion to overseas markets.
The automatic power cut-off technology serves as a backup safety measure in case the charger fails to receive battery charging information due to communication system errors in the electric vehicle. This feature employs the charger’s own algorithm to prevent overcharging by cutting off power if the charging current remains below 1W for more than 30 minutes, indicating that charging is complete.
LG Electronics has also implemented safety measures in its product development process. All of the company’s EV chargers are manufactured in compliance with the European Union’s Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive, which limits the use of ten hazardous materials including lead, cadmium, and mercury.
Furthermore, the company conducts functionality tests on its chargers using actual EVs currently on the market at its dedicated EV Charger Vehicle Test Center within the LG Digital Park in Pyeongtaek.
According to German consulting firm Roland Berger, the global EV charging market is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 32.3%, reaching approximately $186 billion by 2030.
LG Electronics aims to become a top-tier global EV charger company by 2030. As part of this goal, the company plans to match the quality and reliability of the global market leader by next year.
Seo Heung-kyu, head of LG Electronics’ EV Charging Business Division, stated, “By continuing our efforts to ensure customer safety, including the application of dual safety technology for fire prevention, we will solidify our position as a trusted EV charger provider.”
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
