Hyundai Motor Group is planning to build a high-speed electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in South Korea.

With its new E-pit charging stations, the automobile manufacturer aims to provide ‘fast and convenient’ services for customers of its EV models.

Hyundai claims that the charging stations will have the capacity to charge 80% of an EV’s battery capacity in 18 minutes.

The company is planning to establish 20 charging stations across the country this year.

In another development, Hyundai Motor Company has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Singapore-based communications technology group Singtel to collaborate on smart manufacturing and connectivity for an EV battery subscription service.

Under the terms of the MOU, Hyundai will integrate its expertise in developing automotive and manufacturing solutions with Singtel’s capabilities in 5G, Internet of Things (IoT) and next-generation infocommunications technologies to transform the way vehicles are manufactured.

In October, Hyundai Motor Groups announced that it would set up a new Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Centre Singapore (HMGICS) to conduct studies on future mobility and explore innovative solutions.

Hyundai and Singtel have agreed to develop a 5G-enabled smart factory use case for HMGICS’ intelligent manufacturing platform.

HMGICS senior vice-president Hong Bum Jung said: “We are delighted to work with Singtel, implementing next-generation communication solutions that will enhance mobility experiences for our customers.

“We also hope to explore future innovative solutions and business opportunities with Singtel to help realise Singapore’s Smart Nation vision.”

Singtel Managing Director of Government and Large Enterprise and Group Enterprise Andrew Lim said, “Our collaboration with Hyundai is timely, given the Singaporean Government’s decision to phase out internal combustion engine vehicles by 2040 and the recent budget announcement on new policies to encourage more Singaporeans to switch to electric vehicles.

“By pushing the boundaries of what is possible with 5G, IoT and other advanced technologies, we also want to build up Singapore’s smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0 capabilities and strengthen its innovation ecosystem.”