SEOUL -- In a move aimed at tapping into South Korea's delivery market, Kooroo, the in-house venture of battery manufacturer LG Energy Solution, has launched its electric motorcycle battery swapping station business. This service allows riders to swap batteries for fully charged ones in approximately 20 seconds, eliminating the need for time-consuming waits for charging.
Despite their eco-friendly features, electric motorcycles have faced reluctance from delivery workers due to their limited range. While conventional motorcycle couriers cover about 200 kilometers (124 miles) per day, electric models typically offer a maximum range of only 100 kilometers. Additionally, without modular batteries that can be swiftly swapped, recharging electric motorcycles can take over three hours.
LG Energy Solution (LGES) announced on March 5 that Kooroo installed approximately 180 battery swapping stations (BSS) in high-demand delivery zones within two districts of Seoul -- Gwanak and Dongjak. The spacing between these stations is merely one kilometer, prioritizing user convenience. Kooroo aims to expand its network to encompass 1,000 stations across the capital city and its neighboring cities by 2025.
LGES will collect charging and discharging data of Kooroo batteries in real time to monitor critical factors such as remaining lifespan and temperature. The battery control system is also equipped to prevent electric shock during heavy rain. "By integrating LGES' technology with electric two-wheelers, which are noise and emission-free, our service has greatly improved convenience and safety," Kooroo CEO Park Chan-woo said in a statement.
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