South Korean tech firm Deogam has introduced an innovative Electric Recycling System that enhances the range of electric vehicles by as much as 10 percent through the capture of harmonic energy. The system utilizes a toroid-shaped energy core to harness electromagnetic waves produced while the vehicle operates, converting that energy into usable electric power.
Addressing Energy Loss
This technology tackles a significant issue in electric vehicles, where energy is wasted during the transition from DC to AC, which is essential for the vehicle's propulsion system. Deogam's approach features a Buck & Boost converter that ensures energy conversion remains consistent and reliable, even when there are significant changes in input voltage.
Impressive Energy Recovery
Internal evaluations reveal that the system can reclaim up to 18 percent of the energy lost to harmonics while the vehicle is in motion. For electric taxis, this could mean savings of approximately KRW 700,000 (about USD 500) each year in maintenance expenses. The installation cost of the system is roughly $1,000 per vehicle, but thanks to the energy savings, this expense can be offset in about 18 months.
Deogam has teamed up with Kakao Mobility to implement this technology in electric taxis. The initial deployment is set for Jeju in April 2025, featuring 500 electric taxis. The company aims to expand its influence in the commercial vehicle market before venturing into the personal EV sector.
Environmental Impact
The environmental advantages could be substantial. If this system were adopted by the 14 million electric vehicles currently in operation worldwide, it could save around 3,577,000 megawatt-hours of energy each year—equivalent to the output of 10 nuclear power plants. Moreover, it could reduce approximately 6,700 tons of CO2 emissions annually.
CEO Kim Jin-wook is determined to enhance the system further, aiming to increase the range improvement to 15 percent. Deogam is preparing to showcase its advancements at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, where it will share field test results and outline plans to enter markets such as Germany, Norway, and key U.S. cities.
Deogam envisions extending this technology to electric buses by 2030. The system will also begin collecting real-time data on power consumption from the battery, motor, and recovered energy to refine energy recovery based on the vehicle's driving patterns.
