LG Uplus, Hanwha develop ceiling-mounted EV charging system

The Korea Times

The Korea Times

Business

Sat, December 9, 2023 | 22:51

Companies

LG Uplus, Hanwha develop ceiling-mounted EV charging system

Posted : 2023-09-25 15:54

Updated : 2023-09-26 14:25

A promotional image of a ceiling-mounted mobile multiple electric vehicle (EV) charger system co-devleoped by LG Uplus and Hanwha Corporation E&C / Courtesy of LG Uplus

By Lee Min-hyung

LG Uplus and Hanwha Corporation E&C have developed a ceiling-mounted electric vehicle (EV) charging system that does not require floor space to set up a conventional charging facility, the companies said Monday.

The system enables EV owners to charge vehicles by using a charging cable from the ceiling ― a creative alternative for a country grappling with a lack of parking space.

It took eight months for the two firms to co-develop the new system and launch it on the market after clinching a partnership on the joint development of the mobile multiple charger system.

The system is also equipped with a state-of-the-art sensor that sends an alert in case of an emergency. For instance, the sensor, which can detect a certain amount of weight being applied to the cable, sets off an alarm and automatically turns off the charging system if children, for example, were to pull or swing off of the cable.

Drivers can easily charge their vehicles thanks to the cable that comes down from the ceiling. When the charging is complete, the cable returns to the ceiling automatically, according to the two companies.

The companies applied for a patent on the system in three tech and design areas and won certification for electromagnetic compatibility.

LG Uplus plans to provide a stable maintenance and operation environment by equipping the system with a network running a special service called VoltUP. The service allows customers to receive real-time updates on the system's use around the clock. Through an app, customers can also be notified when their charging is complete.

LG Uplus membership users can receive a charging fee discount of 10 percent.

“The ceiling-mounting EV charger has resolved inconveniences stemming from lack of parking space and will offer differentiated experiences to its users,” Hyun Joon-yong, vice president at LG Uplus, said.

Hanwha’s construction affiliate also expressed hopes for the development, saying that more customers residing in Hanwha’s Forena-branded apartment complexes will be able to take advantage of the system.

“The ceiling-mounted mobile multiple chargers has been developed to solve problems caused by typical apartments,” Park Sae-young, vice president at Hanwha Corporation E&C, said. “We will keep developing and revealing differentiated products and technologies to help improve people’s living environment.”

mhlee@koreatimes.co.kr