LG Uplus enters Korea’s EV charging service market with VoltUp app

LG Uplus Corp., a South Korean mobile carrier, is entering the domestic electric vehicle charging service market by launching a service platform, VoltUp.

The wireless telecommunications unit of LG Group last week launched a VoltUp app through the digital app market Google Play.

The app provides various EV charging-related services, including geographic information on charging stations, and making reservations for charger use and payment.

The services are also available for those who are not subscribing to LG’s mobile telecommunications service.

Industry watchers said LG is not a latecomer in the burgeoning domestic EV charging service market, where about 350 related companies are already in operation.

“It’s not a red ocean yet. One of the biggest problems here is locating troubled chargers across the country and fixing them quickly. If LG Uplus can use its groupwide network, it certainly has strengths,” said an industry official.



According to Munich-based consultancy Roland Berger, the global EV charging service market is forecast to grow to $325 billion by 2030 from an estimated $55 billion in 2023.

LG Uplus has been preparing to enter the EV charging business led by its Chief Strategy Officer Hyun Joon-yong. Earlier this month, the mobile network operator launched an in-house EV charging service business team, and early next year, it plans to acquire part of the related business from affiliate LG HelloVision Co.

LG Group’s other affiliates have also been preparing for EV charging services, ranging from battery production and charger manufacturing to distribution and operation of charging stations.

In June, LG Electronics Inc. acquired a 60% stake in Korean EV charging startup AppleMango. LG HelloVision currently handles charging station installation and operation services.

While LG Energy Solution Inc. is one of the world’s leading battery makers, LG Display Co. offers screens and other devices for electric cars.


According to Korea’s Ministry of Environment, there are currently 132,000 EV charging stalls across the country, compared to around 300,000 electric cars running on the roads.

Write to Han-Gyeol Seon at always@hankyung.com
In-Soo Nam edited this article.