SK Signet, a South Korea-based manufacturer of ultrafast electric vehicle (EV) chargers, has entered into a memorandum of understanding with US EV charging infrastructure operator synergEV to enhance collaboration in North America and Latin America.
Earlier this week, the two companies conducted a signing ceremony at SK Signet's US subsidiary in Texas, where they explored plans to enhance ultrafast charging infrastructure and work together on important projects.
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SynergEV, based in Texas, is currently managing over 1,800 charging stations throughout 41 US states and is working on around 20 EV charging hub initiatives, featuring a primary hub in Texas.
The firm has obtained over 150 locations as part of a continuous effort to enhance its North American presence and branch into Mexico and Latin America.
According to the agreement, SK Signet will join as a pilot partner in synergEV's charging hub initiatives to assess product effectiveness and operational dependability in practical environments.
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Collaboration is presently being considered for several sites, including areas in Arlington, Texas, as well as in Georgia and Alabama. The firms also intend to progressively expand their partnership to projects related to the US National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure initiative.
Together, the companies are exploring project opportunities estimated at around $25 million, with the ultimate scope to be defined as projects progress.
The two parties intend to collaborate on software integration and operational assistance while investigating the possibility of expanding the partnership to Mexico and Latin America.
Seo Yeong-hoon, the chief operating officer of SK Signet and CEO of its US branch, stated that the agreement establishes the foundation for entry into the Latin American market while expanding ultra-fast charging infrastructure in North America.
Earlier, the South Korean electric vehicle charging manufacturer introduced a new model, the 400kW All-in-One EV charger. The ultra-rapid charger incorporates power modules based on high-density silicon carbide (SiC) and features a “high-efficiency” power design, minimizing the area required for installation.
Typically, higher-capacity chargers necessitate distributed power conversion systems situated near the charging outlet. SK Signet stated that combining power cabinets and charging plugs into one unit simplifies installation and lowers civil construction expenses. With the rise of newer EV models incorporating 800V high-voltage battery systems that allow for quicker charging, the need for ultra-fast charging stations has surged; the US is experiencing greater implementation of 400kW infrastructure.
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Most chargers in this category, including SK Signet’s, can provide dual charging at reduced speeds—specifically, 150-250kW charging for several vehicles—or supply the complete 400kW capacity to EVs featuring high-voltage systems.
The firm, which runs a manufacturing site in Texas, USA, claims that the SiC-based high-density power system in the 400kW All-In-One unit provides reliable charging with low energy loss. It stated that the technology can reach power conversion efficiency of up to 96.5 percent. The updated model nearly doubles the capacity per square foot, as SK Signet states that the 400kW All-In-One charger decreases the necessary installation space by around 54 percent when compared to its V2 200kW All-In-One units.