There’s big EV-related news out of Fort Worth, Texas. Today, at that location, LG Electronics has opened its first factory in the U.S. for assembling electric vehicle charging stations. The factory not only creates new jobs, but it also supports the growth of America’s EV charging infrastructure. Here’s a look at the LG Electronics electric vehicle charging station factory and the chargers it produces.

Annual Capacity of 12,000 Units

The 100,000-square-foot plant has an annual capacity of 12,000 units. The new facility is powered entirely by green energy, and it stands alongside the company’s longstanding million-square-foot distribution center for consumer electronics and home appliances. The distribution center has been a fixture in the area for three decades. LG Electronics’ recent substantial investment in Fort Worth is set to generate numerous high-tech employment opportunities in North Texas. This underscores LG’s commitment to the region as a growing center for innovation and future-oriented manufacturing.

Owner-Operated Level 2 and 3 Charging Stations

LG has recognized the need for the U.S. to deploy hundreds of thousands of new Level 2 and Level 3 chargers to accommodate the increasing number of EVs on the roads. In response, the company has engineered owner-operated EV charging stations. These provide hotels, restaurants, venues, transit hubs, municipal buildings, and other locations with the autonomy to establish their own rates, retain generated profits, and ensure sufficient capacity to meet local demands.

First Products: Level 2 AC Chargers

Beginning this month, the first products manufactured in Fort Worth will be level 2 AC chargers. These feature a load management solution and variable current settings that facilitate an 11 kW output power through a standard SAE J1772 connector. The level 2 AC charger is crafted for straightforward wall mounting, offering an optional stand for versatile placement. The certified Model EVW011SK-SN adheres to UL2594, the Standard for Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment by UL Solutions. Also, ENERGY STAR, the energy and performance standard of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The chargers feature a seamless front with curved side panels with an LED Display. Additionally, built-in speakers, RFID card reader and WiFi/Bluetooth module. Dynamic load management allows the operator to optimize charging performance based on power limitations via site-level communication among the chargers. LG’s iOS/Android based mobile application allows the installer to set network, language, speaker volume, max current and loads management.

Level 3 Charger Production Begins in Spring of 2024

Beginning this spring, the plant will launch assembly of LG’s inaugural level 3 DC charger. It’s a stand-type model with an integrated Power Bank. It allows quick charging capabilities of up to 175 kW through CCS1 and NACS connectors. The level 3 model will incorporate a sizable outdoor LCD touch-screen display. This display has diverse functions including generation of additional revenue through ad sales. Furthermore, LG plans to introduce 350 kW ultra-fast chargers later in 2024.

Part of LG’s Electrification Strategy

LG’s foray into the EV charger market aligns with the company’s electrification strategy. It’s designed to empower customers to transition to more sustainable energy usage. The company offers a comprehensive suite of whole home electrification products. These include heat-pump-enabled HVAC systems, water heaters, dryers, and energy storage systems. Additionally, ENERGY STAR certified smart appliances such as induction ranges and cooktops. LG’s ThinQ Energy platform provides customers with the means to manage their home’s energy usage at their fingertips.

Growth Engine for LG’s Future

On hand for the LG factory ribbon cutting was Alec Jang, President of the LG Electronics Business Solutions Company. He noted, “The EV charger business is a growth engine for LG’s future, supporting the company’s transformation into a smart solutions company. LG will leverage the reliability and uncompromising quality of its chargers, maintenance services and vertical sales capabilities with the goal of becoming a leader in the EV charging business around the world.”

Independently Owned and Operated Charging Stations

“Today marks a major step in LG’s roadmap to support the electrification of America by making the EV charging infrastructure smarter, more accessible and more profitable for operators,” according to LG Business Solutions USA’s Senior Vice President Michael Kosla. He said the Level 2 and Level 3 EV chargers produced at this factory “will open new opportunities for businesses, municipalities and other public places to support the electrification of America with independently owned and operated charging stations that create new revenue streams, additional marketing and income opportunities, and differentiation with competing businesses.”

A Great Day for Fort Worth

Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker was on hand for the ribbon cutting too. She weighed in by saying, “This is a great day for Fort Worth, with this global leader choosing to establish its U.S. manufacturing base for EV chargers and creating new jobs here. We take pride in knowing that LG’s advanced EV charging stations that will be deployed across the United States will be built right here in Fort Worth.”