Hyundai Motor Group Introduces Ultra

Hyundai Motor Group is making significant strides in the electric vehicle (EV) charging market by developing cutting-edge, ultra-fast chargers to rival Tesla’s dominance in Korea. Hyundai Kefico Corp., the company’s engine and transmission parts-making unit, is actively seeking certification from the Korean government for its super-fast chargers, which boast an impressive power output of 350 kilowatts (kW). The goal is to have these chargers available for public use within the year, greatly enhancing the country’s EV charging infrastructure.

Last October, Hyundai Motor Group announced its entry into EV charger development as part of its commitment to advancing EV technology. Once certified, the Blue Plug chargers will be installed nationwide at Hyundai’s charging stations, bolstering the capabilities of the group’s electric cars and improving the convenience for Hyundai EV owners.

To accelerate its electric vehicle penetration in Korea, Hyundai unveiled its E-pit brand in March 2021. The company plans to establish high-speed EV charging stations under the E-pit brand, equipped with the premium 350-kW chargers. These stations aim to provide a rapid and seamless charging experience for EV owners.

However, the expansion of E-pit stations has been slower than anticipated, with only 36 stations currently in operation, up from 12 in April 2021. In comparison, Tesla’s Supercharger stations have surged to 106 from 33 during the same period. Hyundai Motor acknowledges the challenge and is committed to overcoming it.

One obstacle Hyundai Motor faces is the cost of building premium E-pit charging stations. Each station requires four to six units of 350-kW chargers, and the company maintains strict quality standards for its charger suppliers. While this premium branding strategy sets Hyundai’s charging stations apart, it has resulted in higher construction costs and limited the number of suitable charger suppliers.

As Hyundai Motor works to address these challenges, Tesla continues to dominate the Korean charging industry with its popular Superchargers, offering a widespread and reliable charging network for Tesla EV owners.

Overall, Hyundai Motor Group’s development of ultra-fast chargers signifies a significant step towards challenging Tesla’s dominance in the EV charging market in Korea. With their commitment to advancing EV technology and improving charging infrastructure, Hyundai aims to provide a seamless and convenient experience for their electric vehicle owners.

Sources: Hyundai Motor Group/Unsplash, [Source Article] (URL)