[Feature] Is South Korea's EV Charging Infrastructure on the Right Track?-3 The Path to a Charging Utopia

Imposing Parking Fees Instead of Fines
Introduction of a Smart Maintenance System
Recognizing EVs as National Infrastructure Beyond Just Transportation
Building an Integrated Payment System Is Also a Challenge
User-Centered Policies and Institutional Measures Needed

E-pit electric vehicle charging station located in Hagwi, Aewol-eup, Jeju, operated by Hyundai Motor Group. Photo by Park Changwon.

The most urgent improvement needed in South Korea's electric vehicle charging infrastructure is the rational overhaul of the "one-hour regulation." Instead of imposing a heavy penalty of a 100,000 won fine, a new approach is needed that can reduce the burden on drivers while increasing charging efficiency.

It is proposed to fully implement a "parking fee" system, which charges for the time exceeded rather than imposing punitive fines. Most electric vehicle drivers already use payment cards registered in their charging cards or apps.

This system would utilize that setup so that if a vehicle remains parked in the charging area after charging is complete, a set parking fee would be charged in 10- or 30-minute increments.

For example, after charging is complete, there would be a grace period during which no fee is charged, and after that, parking fees would be imposed according to the set time intervals. This approach is expected to curb unnecessary long-term parking and increase charger turnover, while also reducing the excessive fine burden and providing a solution that drivers can perceive as reasonable.

In addition, qualitative improvement of public charging infrastructure is essential. Currently, most chargers are 50kW-class, so there must be an active push to expand the installation of ultra-fast chargers of at least 100kW or higher. This can dramatically reduce charging time, alleviate driver inconvenience, and fundamentally address issues such as the one-hour regulation.

At the same time, the introduction of a smart maintenance system is urgently needed. An AI-based monitoring system should be established to detect signs of malfunction in advance and to dispatch repair teams quickly when breakdowns occur.

In particular, the mix of various charger models and delays in sourcing specific foreign parts are critical weaknesses of the public charging infrastructure. To address this, it is urgent to standardize charger models, increase the localization rate of key components, and establish a system to secure essential spare parts for each type of equipment at regional hubs. The charging infrastructure should never come to a halt simply because a single screw or bolt is missing.

It is also important to provide transparent information through charging station apps, including the real-time status of each charger, estimated wait times, charging availability, and expected repair schedules.

Furthermore, integrated measures for the future must be prepared. Rather than operating all charging infrastructure directly, public institutions should strengthen cooperation with private operators to build an efficient charging network. The public sector can focus on building infrastructure in areas where private companies are less likely to enter or at specific public facilities, while the private sector can improve service quality through competition. This division of roles should be pursued.

A representative from E-pit, a Hyundai Motor Group affiliate charging company, stated, "While we do consider profitability, our greater goal is to reduce barriers to electric vehicle adoption by making charging more convenient for customers." He added, "To this end, we are providing faster charging and offering charging infrastructure at slightly lower prices than public sector chargers."

The E-pit representative's comment that "customer convenience and market activation are the highest priorities" carries significant implications for the public sector as well. Given the reality of deficit operations at public institution facilities, it is necessary to actively utilize private capital and technology to improve efficiency.

Electric vehicles must be prepared to serve not just as passenger cars, but as key tools for freight transport in the future. They should be recognized as part of the national infrastructure, not just as a means of personal mobility. Just as a certain amount of diesel or gasoline is stockpiled for emergencies, it is essential to establish legal and institutional measures to ensure the stable operation of EV charging infrastructure during national emergencies.

Renewable Energy Convergence EV (Electric Vehicle) Charging Station operated by Jeju Special Self-Governing Province. Provided by Jeju Province.

Island regions such as Jeju require emergency measures tailored to local characteristics, given the significant restrictions on logistics movement during severe weather. This includes securing spare parts for charging and introducing mobile charging systems to ensure charging is possible even in disaster situations.

Establishing an integrated payment system to enhance driver convenience is also a key challenge. Drivers should be able to use all charging stations with a single payment method, without having to carry multiple charging cards from different operators.

The government and related agencies must listen to the voices of electric vehicle drivers and actively reflect their real inconveniences in policy-making and institutional measures centered on user needs.

The transition to the era of electric vehicles is an unstoppable trend. For a successful transition, the government, public institutions, and private operators must all work to resolve driver inconveniences and establish a rational system. Now is the time to move beyond desk-bound administration and advance toward a "charging utopia" based on data and voices from the field.