Article by IT Chosun, Reporter Jo Sung-woo.
With the increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), the market for EV chargers is gaining significant attention. While small and medium-sized enterprises initially dominated the EV charger market, it has recently become a competitive arena with the entry of large corporations.
However, concerns regarding the quality of EV chargers persist, leading to growing dissatisfaction among users. To address this issue and improve the quality of EV chargers, Korea Testing Certification institute (KTC) is playing a crucial role in ensuring the widespread distribution of high-quality chargers through various tests and certifications, in addition to legal certification.
△E-CQV
During a heavy rainstorm in early July, I had the opportunity to visit the KTC-HMG EV Charging Infrastructure Quality Certification Center (referred to as E-CQV) in Gunpo, Gyeonggi-do. The Certification Center, established in collaboration with Hyundai Motor Group, houses equipment for testing and certifying EV chargers, while also showcasing various samples of EV charger products from different manufacturers undergoing testing and certification.
Senior researcher Seongbu Jeong emphasized the importance of legal certification in the EV charger industry. According to Jeong, "Since electricity is involved, safety verification is necessary. Under the Conversion Act, these chargers must undergo mandatory evaluations to determine their safety." He further explained, "Since electricity is utilized, evaluating the impact of electromagnetic waves is also necessary."
Jeong mentioned that testing related to the metering system is required since users need to pay for the amount of charging they receive.
In addition to legal certification, KTC operates the EV-Q certification (EV Charging Quality Certification System), which consists of five additional quality evaluation criteria: charger durability and reliability, charging performance in real conditions, security, communication compatibility, and electromagnetic compatibility. KTC provides open access to the EV-Q certification for all manufacturers and charging service providers to ensure public interest and accessibility.
Jeong clarified that among the three EV charger certification organizations in Korea, KTC is the only one operating the EV-Q certification. He stated, "Many operators who have faced difficulties in the field often contact KTC, and they express that obtaining EV-Q certification ensures the quality of their chargers."
Communication emerged as the most crucial area for testing and certification, according to Jeong. In the case of payment terminals for EV chargers, they are not manufactured by the charger manufacturers themselves but by other companies. Therefore, it is crucial to test and certify whether the information exchanged between the two systems during the integration process is correctly transmitted to the server.
△Seongbu Jeong, Senior Researcher at E-CQV, is explaining about the center.
Unlike conventional fuel stations, EV chargers require continuous communication with electric vehicles. While conventional fuel stations dispense a fixed amount of fuel, EV chargers must adjust their charging power based on the battery's condition. Smooth communication is essential to avoid charging process issues for electric vehicles.
Jeong also emphasized the importance of durability testing. He explained, "Most EV chargers are installed outdoors, subjecting them to harsher conditions compared to indoor environments." He highlighted that in Korea, where distinct four seasons exist, extreme temperature variations and coastal installations can lead to corrosion caused by factors such as fog.
He further mentioned, "Durability issues can result in communication problems," and added, "By conducting tests and certifications beyond legal requirements, we can enhance the quality of EV chargers."
In addition to communication and durability, Jeong stressed the focus on security for Hyundai Motor Group's EV chargers. EV chargers incorporate a computer system that can be vulnerable to manipulation by unauthorized individuals.
Jeong explained, "The security concerns are related to safeguarding the system rather than hacking," and added, "If someone gains access, they can cause damage or alter the charger's operation. Therefore, we pay attention to security, including password systems, during testing and certification."
He also acknowledged that the current certification process does not include security testing for the use of USB inside EV chargers. However, they recognize the importance of addressing this aspect and are carefully considering it.
△E-CQV
Jeong admitted that the ongoing tests and certifications at the Certification Center are not yet perfect. He stated that through continuous feedback, they will identify test and certification items that can further enhance the quality of EV chargers.
He explained, "We are developing the evaluation criteria based on the issues that arise in the field," and projected, "As time goes on, more issues related to EV chargers will be discovered." He added, "We will continue to add necessary items and reduce the number of tests once the quality is assured. We will accumulate know-how and resolve issues to the best of our ability."
