Toyota Motor and South Korean mobile network company LG Uplus have agreed to build a charging network for electric vehicles (EVs) in South Korea to strengthen the automaker's position in the country’s fast growing growing low and zero-emissions vehicle segment.

LG Uplus signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with local distributor, Toyota Motor Korea, to supply it with its Voltup charging platform. The company typically manages the recharging network for its customers including offering services such as information on availability of local charging stations, monitoring charging levels and online payment and loyalty systems.

Initially, LG Uplus will install EV charging stations throughout Toyota's dealer and service network across the country before possibly expanding into other areas.

The two companies will also offer a membership service for owners of EVs such as the BZ4X and Lexus RZ BEVs as well as the RAV4 and Prius PHEVs.

Toyota plans to expand its EV range in the country in the next two years.

Managing director Toshiyuki Nakahara said in a statement: “Toyota aims to meet the needs of customers in all market segments including HEV, PHEV and BEV. With the new business agreement, we will work together to enhance the customer experience via quality EV charging infrastructure."

Toyota sales in South Korea rose 31% to 7,602 units in the first 11 months of 2023, while Lexus sales surged 87% to 12,191 units.