Hyundai is attempting to catch up with Tesla by developing its own ultra-fast electric vehicle (EV) chargers.
The Korean automaker’s engine and transmission parts-making unit, Hyundai Kefico Corp., is developing high-powered EV chargers that can output 350 kilowatts (kW), according to a report by KED Global. The company aims to secure governmental certification for its fast chargers and introduce them to the market later this year to challenge Tesla’s rapid expansion in the Korean EV charging market through its Supercharger network.
The company’s charger development initiative, named “Blue Plug,” was announced in October last year. Once certified, these chargers are expected to be integrated into Hyundai Motor Group’s EV charging stations across South Korea. The introduction of these chargers will bolster the efforts of Hyundai’s E-pit brand of high-speed charging stations, a key component of the automaker’s strategy to boost the adoption of its electric vehicles within its home country.
However, despite these ambitious plans, Hyundai has faced challenges in the rollout of its charging stations. The premium branding strategy associated with E-pit stations, aimed at setting them apart from competitors, has inadvertently driven up construction costs and hindered the scalability of the network, leaving Hyundai to play catch-up in the charging infrastructure race.
With over 45,000 Superchargers worldwide, Tesla’s global fast-charging network remains unparalleled. As Hyundai Kefico prepares to join forces with other EV charger developers serving E-pit stations, the landscape of EV charging infrastructure is poised for further transformation.
