Electric vehicle fast-charging company Chabi has entered the U.S. energy market in California. Chabi said on Thursday it signed an agreement with clean energy, energy storage system (ESS) and artificial intelligence (AI) energy group SPT to build ultra-fast EV charging infrastructure and supply integrated energy solutions.

SPT is an integrated clean energy company comprising solar and ESS specialist Stored Power Technology Inc. and SPT Energy AI Lab, which develops AI-based virtual power plant (VPP) and carbon asset management solutions. SPT is currently proceeding with an approval process for a solar and EV combined energy hub site in Riverside.

The two companies set a three-stage supply roadmap. They plan to supply more than 100 units in 2026 and expand the business by linking it to California Energy Commission (CEC) subsidy programs. In 2027 to 2028, they will build 30 hydrogen and EV combined energy stations on major highways to reach a cumulative 500 units, and in 2029 to 2030 they will take part in a nationwide highway charging infrastructure project based on the U.S. Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The goal is to supply more than 3,000 units cumulatively by 2030 by expanding an electric freight truck charging cluster at the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles and spreading energy self-sufficient charging stations linked to solar and ESS.

The company explained that U.S. rules on 'foreign entities of concern (FEOC)' helped lead to Chabi being selected as a partner. Under the rules, Chinese-made chargers are excluded from government subsidies and tax benefits, while Chabi's South Korean-made products are not subject to the regulation, giving it an advantage in taking part in government projects.

Chabi recently opened a U.S. corporate office and logistics warehouse in Riverside. Following earlier supply agreements with UAE energy company EEE and Canada's Four Season Technology, the latest cooperation has expanded its global foothold to California, the world's largest EV market. It also plans to pursue the establishment of a local U.S. plant and a joint venture (JV) in the Indian market.

Chief Executive Younghoon Choi (최영훈) said, "This agreement is a starting point for introducing integrated energy solutions to the U.S. market that go beyond charger supply to cover solar, ESS and AI energy management." He added, "We will expand our business across the United States with Riverside as a bridgehead."