KMUTT Partners with South Korea’s EV ALL to Develop “EV Guard”: An Innovative Cleaning Sheet for EV Chargers to Enhance Safety and Longevity

As the Electric Vehicle (EV) market continues to surge with Krungsri Research projecting 125,000 new BEV registrations annually in Thailand by 2026-2028 the maintenance of charging infrastructure has become a critical safety concern. Issues such as dust accumulation and moisture in high-sensitivity charging heads can lead to short circuits, sparks, and system degradation.

To address this, Asst. Prof. Dr. Thidarat Boonsri, head of the Smart Biomaterials and Technology Research Group at King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), has led the development of “EV Guard.” This innovative cleaning sheet is designed specifically for EV charging heads to mitigate risks from electrical shorts and moisture.

The Science Behind EV Guard

EV Guard leverages the team’s expertise in biomaterials, specifically utilizing Kapok fiber (นุ่น). The product features a unique 3-layer design bonded with bio-polymer adhesives:

• Layer 1 (Kapok mixed with Bamboo fiber): Enhances strength and reduces electric charge and field risks.
• Layer 2 (Pure Kapok): Acts as a high-absorbency core to trap moisture and prevent backflow.
• Layer 3 (Anti-static Kapok): Prevents static electricity and repels dust re-accumulation.

The sheets are eco-friendly, chemical-free, reusable, and biodegradable. Beyond cleaning, the research team aims to evolve EV Guard into an “electrical insulator” to protect users from potential charge transfers, especially when dealing with high-voltage Direct Current (DC) up to 600V.

International Collaboration and Sustainability

This project is a joint venture between KMUTT and EV ALL, a leading EV supply chain expert from South Korea. The partnership covers everything from manufacturing and maintenance to battery recycling. By studying user behavior and market trends in South Korea, the team plans to implement EV Guard in charging stations across Thailand.

Looking ahead, the team also plans to integrate EV Guard into Carbon Credit frameworks, providing a competitive edge for charging station operators who prioritize safety and green industrial standards.