"Charging Electric Vehicles with Standard 220V Outlets"... Achievements of the ICT Regulatory Sandbox

Launch of Private Smart Electric Vehicle Charging Outlet

[Asia Economy Reporter Seolgina Jo] The first private sector 'smart electric vehicle charging outlet' that can be installed in a standard 220V outlet without separate conduit construction to charge electric vehicles has been launched. This is another achievement through the ICT regulatory sandbox.

The Ministry of Science and ICT announced on the 19th that Starcop, a designated company under the ICT regulatory sandbox, has launched the smart electric vehicle charging outlet product called 'ChargeCon.' As a result, without the need for separate conduit construction for charging facility installation, simply replacing the outlet with an IoT-based one enables ▲user authentication ▲electric vehicle charging ▲power metering ▲and transmission of electricity usage data to Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO).

Under the current Electricity Business Act, only those with plug-type electric vehicle charging equipment can register as a business operator, which had previously blocked electric vehicle charging services using general outlets. Accordingly, in March last year, the Ministry of Science and ICT allowed Starcop to register as an electric vehicle charging business operator through the ICT regulatory sandbox review committee and paved the way for the market introduction of metered outlets for electric vehicle charging.

With the launch of the smart electric vehicle charging outlet, it is expected that the cost of building electric vehicle charging infrastructure will be significantly reduced. Previously, installing an electric vehicle charger cost about 4 million KRW. The Ministry of Science and ICT expects that the expansion of charging infrastructure at a low cost will enhance the convenience for citizens using electric vehicles and promote the spread of electric vehicle adoption.

The Ministry of Science and ICT plans to work with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the National Institute of Technology and Standards, the main ministries in charge, to establish technical standards for 'metered outlets for electric vehicle charging' and actively pursue regulatory improvements (amendments to the Enforcement Decree of the Electricity Business Act) to allow 'registration as electric vehicle charging business operators,' so that the regulatory sandbox achievements can be expanded quickly.

At the opening ceremony held at Starcop headquarters on the day, Jang Seok-young, the 2nd Vice Minister of the Ministry of Science and ICT, said, "As the lead ministry for the ICT regulatory sandbox, we plan not only to approve projects but also to actively support the rapid market launch and settlement of designated projects, and cooperate with related ministries to ensure that relevant regulations are improved early."

Starcop has subscribed to liability insurance to ensure the safety and compensation for damages of smart electric vehicle charging outlet users. Going forward, it plans to collaborate with Seongdong District Office, Korea Electric Power Corporation, and others to promote the establishment of community-based electric vehicle charging infrastructure.