Homeplus Launches Electric Vehicle Charging Service for All Models... Aiming to Expand to 40 Stores This Year

Models are charging various electric vehicles at the electric vehicle charging station set up in the parking lot of Homeplus Gangseo Branch in Deungchon-dong, Seoul, on the 19th.

[Asia Economy Reporter Seungjin Lee] Homeplus announced on the 19th that it will introduce a large-scale electric vehicle charging station at Homeplus Gangseo Branch in Deungchon-dong, Seoul, capable of simultaneously charging up to 9 electric vehicles of all models.

As of last year, the number of electric vehicles registered in Korea reached approximately 128,000, showing a gradual increase in electric vehicle adoption rates. However, the electric vehicle charging infrastructure remains insufficient. Apartments built before June 2016, when mandatory installation standards for electric vehicle charging stations were established, lack any charging infrastructure, leading to fierce competition to secure electric vehicle chargers.

Accordingly, Homeplus, together with Daeyeong Chaebi, a manufacturer and operator of electric vehicle chargers, has built a large-scale electric vehicle charging station so that customers can conveniently charge their electric vehicles in the parking lot while shopping and dining at the large supermarket. This allows electric vehicle users to enjoy charging infrastructure more conveniently and save time.

The electric vehicle charging station built on the 5th floor parking lot of Homeplus Gangseo Branch offers a brighter and more spacious area compared to existing charging facilities, enhancing customer convenience. It is also a flagship charging station that actively reflects the demand of customers who want to charge their electric vehicles, introducing the first mid-speed charger (17.6 kW/h) at a large supermarket.

To commemorate the opening of the electric vehicle charging station, Homeplus will hold a ‘Charging Chaebi All Free’ event, providing free charging services for ten days from the 21st to the 31st.

Starting with the Gangseo Branch in Seoul, Homeplus plans to establish electric vehicle charging stations at 40 major stores including Daegu Seongseo Branch and Busan Asiad Branch within this year, and by 2023, install large-scale electric vehicle charging stations at all Homeplus stores nationwide, actively participating in the government’s ‘Green New Deal’ carbon emission reduction policy.

Jeon Gang-il, buyer of Homeplus A&A Business Team, said, “Through Daeyeong Chaebi, the only domestic manufacturer and operator of chargers, we offer electric vehicle charging fees at the lowest domestic rate of 235 KRW per kW (upon Daeyeong Chaebi membership registration). We plan to provide more affordable and convenient charging services in connection with Homeplus’s membership club service ‘Auto Club’ in the future.”