LG opens first U.S. factory for EV charging stations in Fort Worth

LG Electronics opened its first factory for assembling electric vehicle charging stations in the United States Friday in Fort Worth.

The factory marks LG’s entry into the American EV charging space, though it has produced EV cells at its South Korea plant since 2011. The Fort Worth facility can produce 10,000 Level 2 and 3 EV chargers per year for national distribution, with room to expand operations inside the 100,000-square-foot space.

EV levels represent charging power and speed, with Level 3 chargers allowing for the most rapid charge.

The opening brings dozens of jobs to the region, according to LG, though a representative declined to provide an exact figure. LG also operates a million-square-foot distribution center for consumer electronics and home appliances in the city.

The plant is opening in an existing LG building that has been repurposed for EV production.

Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker and other city officials were on site for a ribbon cutting with LG executives Friday. The factory is at 2153 Eagle Parkway.

“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,” Parker said. “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.”

The first products assembled at the plant, which will run on 100% green power, are Level 2 AC chargers that enable 11kW of output power through standard connectors. LG will assemble the brand’s first Level 3 DC charger, which provides charging up to 175kW through a connected power bank and CCS1 and NACS connectors, beginning in the second quarter.

The Level 3 model features a touch-screen display that can serve multiple functions, including as a platform for advertising sales.

The owner-operated charging stations will allow hotels, restaurants and other EV charging hotspots to set their own rates and keep the profits rather than relying on third-party charging station operators.

“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,” said Michael Kosla, senior vice president at LG Business Solutions USA.

The chargers “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,” Kosla said.

LG expects to begin producing “ultra fast” 350kW EV chargers at the plant later this year.

The plant launch supports LG’s broader electrification strategy, with whole-home electrification products among its offerings.