EVolution Co., Ltd., a Korean electric vehicle charging solution company, announced that it will challenge for the CES Innovation Awards 2026 with 'ConnectorShield', the active protection system designed to prevent energy loss caused by charging connector(charging gun) oxidation.
Solving Hidden Energy Loss Problems
Conventional EV charging connector holders provide only passive storage functionality, leaving connectors exposed to ultraviolet rays, rain, humidity and dust. This accelerated oxidation of connector pins increases contact resistance, causing an average of 0.8% power loss per charge. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, EV electricity consumption in the United States reached approximately 11,740 GWh in 2024. In the U.S. alone, about 94 GWh is wasted annually due to this issue. This represents enough electricity for approximately 8,700 households to use for one year, and is projected to increase to the equivalent of 52,000 households by 2030.
The problem extends beyond mere inefficiency—it undermines user trust in EV charging infrastructure. EV drivers unknowingly pay for energy they never receive.
ConnectorShield solves this problem with TPC™ (Triple Protection Core) technology. When the connector is inserted into the holder, three protection functions activate automatically within 0.3 seconds:
▲ Surface Plasmon Resonance: Generates localized electric fields to block over 99% of oxygen molecule bonding inside the connector
▲ Photocatalytic Cleaning: Uses titanium dioxide coatings to decompose more than 95% of contaminants on connector pin surfaces
▲ Sacrificial Anode Protection: Provides continuous electron flow through zinc coatings, extending connector lifespan by approximately 133%
Integrated Optical-Chemical-Electrochemical Design
ConnectorShield represents a paradigm shift from passive storage to intelligent protection. The system utilizes world-first LED light sources to simultaneously implement Surface Plasmon Resonance and photocatalytic reactions, providing real-time control of oxygen adsorption and contamination on charging connector pin surfaces. Additionally, it introduces an industry-first approach that leverages the potential difference between silver-plated connector pins and zinc to create an electron supply mechanism that delays corrosion.
Drop-in Retrofit Design with Extreme Environment Performance
ConnectorShield is designed with compatibility to existing CCS1 and NACS charging connector holders, enabling easy application to already installed charging infrastructure. Operating on less than 1.2W of low power consumption, it adds less than 1% to total charger manufacturing costs, making it economical for large-scale deployment.
The product operates reliably from -40°C to 85°C, 95% humidity, and high-salinity conditions to protect charging connectors. External LED light guidance provides intuitive direction for correct connector placement, enhancing convenience during nighttime or in dark parking areas. Despite enhanced protection features, the usage method remains as simple as before. Users simply need to insert the connector into the ConnectorShield-equipped holder after charging is complete.
Enhanced Charging Reliability and Economic Benefits
By preventing the average 0.8% power loss caused by connector oxidation, EV users gain confidence that the energy they pay for is accurately delivered to their vehicle. From a charging station operation perspective, connector lifespan extends from the typical 3-5 years to up to 10 years, ensuring long-term profitability while high compatibility with existing holders minimizes adoption barriers.
Environmental and Social Impact
Beyond improving efficiency, ConnectorShield contributes to environmental sustainability by preventing energy waste equivalent to powering thousands of households annually. By extending connector lifespan by 133%, the system reduces unnecessary component replacement and waste, supporting the transition to sustainable transportation infrastructure.
This technology enables upgrades through partial improvements without requiring complete EV charger replacement, creating more practical societal change.
Industry Leadership in EV Charging Solutions
EVolution Co., Ltd. is a Korean EV charging solution specialist company that handles charging infrastructure components such as charging connectors and power modules, as well as EV lifestyle products like portable chargers and V2L multi-taps. EVolution CEO Cho Hyun-min stated, "Based on our experience accumulated in EV charging sites since 2019, we discovered the chronic problem of connector oxidation and resulting power loss, and developed the most practical solution to address it. ConnectorShield represents active and intelligent charging infrastructure protection technology that surpasses conventional passive storage, and will set a new reliability standard for the industry."
Media Contact
Company Name: EVolution Co., Ltd.
Contact Person: Sim Jaegeun
Email: Send Email
Phone: 82-2-6672-0407
Country: South Korea
Website: https://coevolution.kr/
