Plug and Charge technology ensures simple and automatic charging for EVs. (image: KEPCO)
SEOUL, July 8 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea’s state-run utility Korea Electric Power Corp. (KEPCO) announced on Tuesday that it has developed Plug and Charge technology that enables automatic user certification and payment once a charging plug is inserted into an electric vehicle (EV).
This technology ensures simple and automatic charging for EVs without the need for drivers to go through the process of user certification and payment once they connect the charger to the EVs.
Previously, it took some time for drivers to charge their EVs since they needed to take several steps before charging, including the certification of their membership card and payment with a credit card.
EV manufacturers plan to expand the application of this technology for their vehicles starting from next year.
To better cope with demand, KEPCO will apply this technology first to public rapid charging stations. This service is likely to be fully available for drivers of EVs from next year.
KEPCO also plans to supply the PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) it developed for this service to both private charging station operators and EV companies. PKI is a system that issues electronic certificates to charging stations and EVs alike.
In the meantime, KEPCO is also on track to develop a new technology that enables automatic charging and payment once EVs are parked by combining wireless charging with Plug and Charge technology.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
