Chaevi launches fast-charging network at highway rest stops, enabling adapter-free Tesla charging

Chaevi, a domestic electric vehicle charging service provider, has launched a fast-charging infrastructure network at highway rest stops to improve convenience for long-distance EV drivers.

The company said it began operating eight fast chargers at the Chilseo rest stop (toward Yangpyeong) and the Geochang rest stop (toward Daegu) on July 1. It plans to bring 117 additional chargers online at 24 rest stops nationwide by the end of this month, and to install 21 more at three additional rest stops by year-end — bringing the total to 138 fast chargers across 27 rest stops.

Of the total, 85 chargers will be NACS-compatible models, allowing Tesla drivers to charge directly at highway rest stops without needing a separate CCS1 (DC Combo) adapter.

Chaevi also enhanced charging convenience by applying its "Baro Chaevi" plug-and-charge (PnC) service, which automatically handles vehicle authentication, charging and payment once the connector is plugged in — no app launch or membership card tap required.

The project is part of the "2025 Highway Rest Stop EV Charging Infrastructure Development Project" led by Korea Expressway Corp. Chaevi was selected as the operator for three regional zones — Gwangju and South Jeolla Province, Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province, and Busan and South Gyeongsang Province — and is responsible for building and operating the charging infrastructure at rest stops in those areas.

The company said the importance of long-distance charging infrastructure is growing alongside the expansion of the EV market. According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, domestic EV sales reached 35,416 units in May, up 65.4 percent from the same month last year. Cumulative sales from January through May totaled 162,026 units, more than double the figure for the same period a year earlier.

"Charging convenience during long-distance travel is just as important as vehicle performance," said Choi Young-hoon, chief executive of Chaevi. "By expanding our highway rest stop charging network, we want to create an environment where drivers can travel without worrying about charging, and we will continue to expand our ultra-fast charging infrastructure and next-generation charging technology."

Meanwhile, Chaevi recently completed integration of PnC technology with Hyundai Motor Group and has begun offering PnC service at its charging stations nationwide. Through the collaboration, the service — previously available mainly at 83 of Hyundai Motor Group's ultra-fast charging stations under the E-pit brand — is now accessible at more than 1,500 Chaevi charging stations across the country.