Gas Stations Transforming into Multi-service Space
GS Caltex announced on May 9 that it would start operating chargers for electric vehicles (EV) at its gas stations on May 28.
The company said it has installed eight 100 kW rapid chargers for electric cars at seven direct gas stations in Seoul. A two-week trial operation of the chargers will begin on May 15 before the commercial operation.
The 100 kW rapid chargers can charge 50 kWh in 30 minutes, twice the speed of conventional 50 kW chargers. 50kWh can power a car for about 250 km. GS Caltex said it is the first to install 100 kW rapid chargers at gas stations in downtown Seoul.
GS Caltex plans to install additional electric car chargers at gas stations in Seoul and other metropolitan cities during the first half of this year. It is planning to expand the electric car charging business nationwide.
Electric cars are spreading fast in Korea. According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the number of electric cars registered in Korea totaled 55,000 last year, more than double the figure in 2017. Industry analysts expect that electric cars will grow to 100,000 units in Korea this year. This means that oil refiners need to accelerate their efforts to supply energy to electric vehicles.
GS Caltex already concluded an MOU with LG Electronics earlier this year to transform existing gas stations into energy-mobility convergence stations. Gas stations which provide gasoline and maintenance and car wash services will turn into a multi-service space where electric cars could be charged or shared.