‘Powering Up America’ with the grand opening of LG’s first EV charger plant in Texas. LG’s 59,202-square-foot facility in Fort Worth aims to meet the rising demand for EV infrastructure. The new plant, spanning 59,202 square feet, is set to produce over 10,000 chargers annually, marking a significant leap towards electrification in the U.S.
Why Texas? Aside from the Lone Star State’s existing facilities, LG found the logistics and transportation networks to be exceptionally favorable. This new EV charging station factory is a powerhouse, capable of churning out over 10,000 chargers annually. The production has already kicked off, starting with 11-kilowatt chargers and plans to scale up to 175-kilowatt chargers in the first half of the year, followed by 350-kilowatt chargers later on.
LG’s decision to dive into EV chargers isn’t just a spur-of-the-moment move. It aligns with a broader commitment to ‘electrification‘ voiced by LG’s CEO, William Cho, as a key driver for the company’s growth in the coming years. Already a significant player in EV battery manufacturing in the U.S., LG is now broadening its reach to the production of EV chargers, solidifying its standing in the rapidly evolving world of electric mobility.
Why is this a big deal? The U.S. has been making strides in the EV game, with over 165,000 public charging ports by December 2023. President Biden’s ambitious goal of building at least 500,000 public chargers by 2030 adds weight to LG’s choice to establish its manufacturing hub in Texas.
Jand Ik-hwan, the President of LG’s Business Solution Company, puts it into perspective: “By establishing our EV charger production factory in Texas, we will be able to actively respond to the rapidly growing demand for EV infrastructure in the U.S.” In other words, LG aims to play a crucial role in supporting the increasing need for EV charging points across the nation.
LG’s dedication to the U.S. market is further emphasized by its strategic acquisition in 2022 when it acquired HiEV Charger, formerly known as AppleMango, a South Korean EV battery charger maker. This move was aimed at boosting LG’s EV charging business and strengthening its manufacturing capabilities back home.
This isn’t just about making chargers. It’s about contributing to a more widespread EV charging ecosystem. LG is positioning itself as a significant player in the broader context of the Biden administration’s $623 million grants for a nationwide EV charging network. Dennis Carter, LG’s Director of Sales for EV chargers, notes that LG’s Level 3 DC chargers meet the requirements for the federal infrastructure grant program.
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Why does this matter now? While some automakers are slowing down EV production, citing a lack of a ‘robust charging infrastructure,’ LG is stepping up to the plate. Its Level 2 AC chargers, designed for places like hotels and restaurants, offer a slower but steady charging pace. On the other hand, the Level 3 DC chargers provide high-speed charging, allowing for an 80% EV capacity charge within just 30 minutes.
LG already has thousands of contracts in place for these chargers, although they’ve kept the cost under wraps for now. This announcement comes at a crucial time, as the U.S. faces a growing number of EVs on the roads. A study by the Texas Public Policy Foundation points out the strain on the electric grid caused by home and public charging stations.
In the midst of these challenges, LG sees its role as vital. The company is determined to create an infrastructure that can support the increasing number of EVs, contributing to the ‘electrification of America.’
LG’s inauguration of its first EV charger plant in Texas isn’t just a facility opening; it’s a strategic move contributing to the broader landscape of EV adoption in the United States. ‘Powering Up America‘ is more than a tagline; it’s LG’s commitment to play a pivotal role in reshaping the electric mobility scenario, one charger at a time.
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