What’s Happening
UL Solutions, a world-renowned leader in safety science applications, has recently inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Korea Testing Certification Institute (KTC). The agreement, signed in Washington, DC, is designed to promote collaboration in the safety and performance evaluation of electric vehicle (EV) chargers, enabling their global market access. This partnership is a strategic step toward meeting the burgeoning demand for EV chargers, spurred by the rising adoption of EVs in the U.S.
Why It Matters
This collaboration will empower UL Solutions and KTC to support Korean EV charger manufacturers in securing ENERGY STAR® certification, which is pivotal for global market access. KTC has received authorization from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to conduct testing for the ENERGY STAR® program. This program, a joint initiative by the EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), recognizes high-performing, cost-effective products that encourage energy efficiency. The MoU streamlines the process of ENERGY STAR® certification for Korean EV charger manufacturers, negating the need to send samples overseas and yielding substantial savings in time and cost.
Key Points
Beyond this, both UL Solutions and KTC are committed to fostering EV battery safety and performance evaluation. This collaborative effort aims to assist Korean manufacturers in the development and export of EV battery products.
UL Solutions’ Executive Vice President and President of Testing, Inspection, and Certification, Weifang Zhou, underscored the significance of this partnership in the context of growing energy savings and environmental consciousness. Zhou expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration with KTC and its potential to propel the global shift toward clean transportation.
Echoing Zhou’s sentiment, KTC’s President, Ahn Sung-il, expressed anticipation about partnering with UL Solutions to facilitate market access for Korean manufacturers. He further highlighted the importance of their innovations in ensuring the safety and performance of battery-powered transportation.
Bottom Line
This partnership between UL Solutions and KTC is more than a business collaboration. It marks a significant stride in supporting global clean energy transitions, ensuring the safety and performance of EV chargers, and opening up opportunities for Korean manufacturers in the global market. By streamlining the ENERGY STAR® certification process, it promises to make energy-efficient EV chargers more accessible and affordable, while promoting the broader adoption of clean transportation technologies.
