Expanding a 5-minute charging network across residential areas to create a convenient and safe charging environment for all
Seoul Energy Corp. is working with the Seoul Metropolitan Government to expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure closer to residential areas while building a charging environment that anyone can use without difficulty and strengthening the safety of charging facilities.
This year in particular, the corporation is accelerating qualitative improvements to its charging infrastructure — raising accessibility for mobility-impaired users and deploying AI technology to proactively address fire risks.
The corporation is participating alongside the Seoul Metropolitan Government in EV Trend Korea 2026, held at COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, from Tuesday through Thursday. At the event, it is showcasing EV charging infrastructure with enhanced safety and usability, including mobility-friendly chargers and an AI-based fire monitoring system.
Convenient for Everyone — Introducing Mobility-Friendly Chargers
The portable mobility-friendly charger on display features a screen 60 percent larger than previous models and a lowered control panel, improving accessibility and ease of use for wheelchair users, the elderly and others with mobility challenges.
Seoul Energy Corp. plans to continue expanding charging facilities while reducing usage barriers tied to users' physical conditions, creating an environment where anyone can charge their electric vehicle with greater ease.
AI Detects Fire Warning Signs — Strengthening Charging Facility Safety
The corporation is also introducing an AI-based fire monitoring system to bolster safety at charging facilities. The system uses CCTV cameras to monitor warning signs such as vehicle battery temperature and smoke, with AI determining whether a fire has occurred and triggering an alert.
Through this system, the corporation aims to detect fire risks that may arise during EV charging at an early stage and respond swiftly, establishing a safer charging environment.
Expanding the '5-Minute Residential Charging Network' — 534 Fast Chargers Installed Cumulatively
The Seoul Metropolitan Government has been steadily expanding public charging infrastructure since 2021, with the goal of promoting eco-friendly vehicles through the construction and operation of a 5-minute residential charging network.
The number of fast chargers is set to reach 500 units this year. The total number of EV chargers operated by the city also reached 150,000 as of June, reflecting continued improvements in charging accessibility and convenience for residents.
Seoul Energy Corp. President Hwangbo Yeon visited the promotional booth Tuesday and encouraged staff, saying, "I am grateful for the hard work of our employees on the ground striving to improve the convenience and safety of citizens," and adding, "Please continue to work toward building safe and convenient charging infrastructure so that mobility-friendly charging facilities and AI-based safety technology can take root in the daily lives of citizens."
EV Trend Korea 2026 runs through Thursday. Throughout the event, Seoul Energy Corp. is presenting key technologies including EV charging infrastructure, mobility-friendly chargers and an AI-based fire monitoring system, and running an on-site event where visitors can enter a character doll-claw machine game by answering quiz questions.
seouldream01@heraldcorp.com
