Kia has announced the pilot operation of an ‘on-demand charging service’ based on innovative vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) fast charging technology, in collaboration with electric vehicle charging startup T-BIO, starting from March 2.
The V2V fast charging technology being developed by Kia involves equipping electric vehicles with a separate controller that allows their charging ports to be connected via a cable, enabling charging and discharging between vehicles. Once commercialized, electric vehicle customers can reduce the time spent traveling or waiting for charging, and even create revenue through energy trading.
This pilot project is part of a memorandum of understanding signed by Kia and T-BIO last November. The ‘on-demand charging service’ will be carried out in Seoul and Pangyo, utilizing the electric vehicle EV6 and the Bonggo III mobile charging vehicle from March 2 to August 30.
Customers wishing to experience the service can apply through T-BIO’s electric vehicle charging platform ‘elecvery’ application. After entering their charging location and time, they can receive free charging of up to 30 kWh once.
Kia will deploy the V2V fast-charging equipped EV6, while T-BIO will provide the charging through its Bonggo III mobile charging vehicle. Currently, T-BIO is approved by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy for providing mobile electric vehicle charging services under a regulatory sandbox.
Additionally, to enhance the convenience of electric vehicle customers, free services such as tire pressure checks and window cleaning will be provided during the charging process.
Through this pilot project, Kia aims to validate the potential for energy trading to expand into a platform business. In the future, as energy-related regulations are relaxed and V2V fast charging technology is commercialized, charging service providers can offer subscription-based services, taxi and rental car companies can secure additional revenue models by utilizing downtime, and consumers can significantly benefit from increased charging convenience.
A Kia official stated, “The V2V fast charging technology that utilizes the battery of an electric vehicle with surplus power to charge another electric vehicle will make customers’ electric vehicle experience even more innovative. Through the know-how accumulated from this pilot project, we plan to enhance the energy trading solution and explore commercializing V2V fast charging technology.”
By Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr