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LG Electronics, the South Korean appliance and tech company, has unveiled its ambitious plan to step into the rapidly expanding electric vehicle (EV) charging sector within the United States. The company is poised to introduce its inaugural lineup of AC and DC EV charging stations in 2024, marking a strategic move towards empowering businesses, municipalities, and various public spaces to independently own and operate their charging infrastructure.
The upcoming line of Level 2 and Level 3 EV chargers from LG Business Solutions USA signals a pivotal shift in the landscape of EV charging stations across the nation. Nicolas Min, Senior Vice President of LG Business Solutions USA, underscores LG’s commitment to driving the electrification movement and facilitating the crucial development of infrastructure to support the exponential growth of electric vehicles in the United States.
Min emphasizes, “LG is dedicated to delivering systems and solutions that enable U.S. commercial customers to establish their own infrastructure for charging electric vehicles, a pivotal aspect for the industry’s success and the nation’s clean energy aspirations.”
Recognizing the imperative need for increased charging infrastructure, LG is cognizant of the necessity to bolster the existing network with hundreds of thousands of additional Level 2 and Level 3 chargers. Their visionary approach aims to empower individual businesses to participate in the burgeoning market independently, eliminating the reliance on third-party owner-operators.
LG’s forthcoming product line for the U.S. market will encompass Level 2 AC Chargers equipped with load management solutions and variable current settings, offering an output power of 11kW via a standard SAE J1772 connector. Designed for simplicity, these chargers will be wall-mountable, with an optional stand for versatile placement.
Additionally, LG is primed to unveil its inaugural Level 3 DC Charger, a stand-type model integrated with a connected Power Bank enabling fast charging capabilities of up to 175kW through CCS1 and NACS connectors. Distinguished by a large outdoor LCD touch-screen display, this Level 3 charger is geared towards accommodating multiple owners and use cases.
According to recent research by Goldman Sachs and IHS Global Insight, the trajectory of EV sales in the United States is projected to surge significantly. Min cites predictions indicating a rise from 9 percent of total vehicle sales in 2023 to a remarkable 20 percent in 2025, escalating to an astounding 50 percent by 2030. This underscores the urgency for expanded infrastructure and involvement from various stakeholders.
LG’s foray into the EV charger market not only aligns with the company’s broader electrification strategy but also extends its commitment to fostering sustainable energy usage. In tandem with EV chargers, LG offers a suite of home electrification products encompassing heat-pump-enabled HVAC systems, water heaters, dryers, energy storage systems, and Energy Star certified smart appliances.
Furthermore, LG’s ThinQ Energy platform empowers consumers to proactively manage their home’s energy consumption, contributing to cost savings and environmental conservation. The integration of LG’s EV chargers with other infrastructure elements, such as digital display networks, introduces potential revenue streams through third-party advertisements, thus presenting multifaceted benefits for stakeholders.
LG Electronics’ imminent entry into the EV charging market complements the endeavors of its sister company, LG Energy Solution, a global leader in EV battery production, heavily investing in U.S. manufacturing initiatives. Leveraging a nationwide network of sales, customer support, and technical maintenance professionals, LG is poised to offer unparalleled support to buyers, setting them apart from smaller EV charging firms.
