Installation of One 350kW and Seven 200kW Chargers at Four GS Caltex Gas Stations in the Seoul Metropolitan Area
[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Je-hoon] Kia is partnering with GS Caltex to promote the distribution of ultra-fast chargers for electric vehicles. On the 11th, Kia announced that it had signed an investment and usage contract with GS Caltex for the installation of ultra-fast chargers to expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
This collaboration involves Kia investing in the installation of ultra-fast chargers for electric vehicles at GS Caltex gas stations and enhancing benefits for Kia electric vehicle customers who use the chargers.
Specifically, Kia will invest in the installation of a total of eight chargers, including one 350 kW ultra-fast charger and seven 200 kW chargers, at four GS Caltex gas stations located in the metropolitan area (Seoul, Incheon, Suwon, Guri). GS Caltex will be responsible for operation and management, with charging services scheduled to begin within the first half of the year.
Through this collaboration, Kia will establish ultra-fast charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, and GS Caltex will secure electric vehicle charging customers. Drivers will also be able to charge their electric vehicles conveniently at gas stations and reduce charging time using ultra-fast chargers. Kia’s first dedicated electric vehicle, the EV6, which is set to be unveiled this month, features an 800V charging system that allows charging up to 80% within 18 minutes when using an ultra-fast charger.
Additionally, Kia plans to run various promotions such as discounts or free charging coupons for EV6 customers who charge their vehicles at GS Caltex gas stations nationwide.
In 2019, Kia signed an agreement with IONITY, Europe’s largest ultra-fast electric vehicle charging company, and made strategic investments to build ultra-fast charging infrastructure. Kia plans to apply the know-how gained from the IONITY partnership to this Korean-style ultra-fast charging infrastructure collaboration model to foster a domestic ultra-fast charging ecosystem for electric vehicles.
Meanwhile, the two companies have maintained a cooperative relationship to expand charging infrastructure, including signing a business agreement in 2019 to introduce simple payment services for electric vehicle chargers operated by GS Caltex and to establish partnerships with Kia Members for electric vehicle ecosystem expansion.
In addition to the 120 ultra-fast chargers being installed at 20 locations nationwide on highways and urban hubs at the group level, Kia is expanding distribution through partnerships like this collaboration. GS Caltex currently operates electric vehicle chargers installed at 59 gas stations and charging stations nationwide.
A Kia official said, "This year marks the first year of Kia Transformation, an important year to strengthen the dedicated electric vehicle lineup starting with the EV6 and to become a global leading electric vehicle brand." He added, "We will enhance customer convenience and further expand electric vehicle infrastructure through various partnership activities."
A GS Caltex official stated, "Gas stations with a nationwide network are one of the optimal places to charge electric vehicles." He added, "The two companies will continue to cooperate to expand electric vehicle charging services and lead the electric vehicle charging industry."
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