Name

E1

Legal name

주식회사 E1

Website

http://www.e1.co.kr

Company type

Public

Founded year

1984

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

E1 is a distributor of liquefied petroleum gas.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

LPG Distribution and Eco-friendly Energy Services

NAICS

Fuel Dealers (45721), Fuel Dealers (457210), Fuel Dealers (4572)

SIC

Wholesale-Petroleum Bulk Stations & Terminals (5171), Oil & Gas Field Services, Nec (1389), Gas & Other Services Combined (4932)

akta.pro primary industry

Retail Service Station Operations (Company-Owned & Dealer-Operated) (EUALAIAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Fuel Pricing, Loyalty & Payments Platforms (POS, Mobile Pay, Fleet Cards, Loyalty Programs) (EUALAIAK), Commercial & Fleet Fueling (Cardlock, On-Site Tanks, Bulk Delivery) (EUALAIAD)

Keywords

• LPG distribution
• LNG power generation
• Hydrogen refueling stations
• EV charging infrastructure
• Renewable energy generation

Headquarters

HQ city

Yongsan

HQ country

South Korea

HQ region

Asia

Offices16 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. LPG Import, Storage, and Domestic Sales: E1 imports LPG from Middle Eastern and North American oil-producing countries, stores it in its three domestic bases (Yeosu, Incheon, Daesan), and distributes it through its nationwide dealer network of LPG charging stations. This is the core revenue stream covering the full LPG supply chain from import to end-customer delivery.
2. LPG Re-export and Trading: E1 re-exports and conducts intermediary trade of imported LPG, positioning itself as a leading LPG supplier in the Asian market, exporting to China, Japan, Vietnam, and other countries through both direct export and intermediary trade arrangements.
3. LNG Power Generation: E1 earns revenue from the Oseong LNG combined-cycle power plant (833 MW capacity, acquired in September 2024), generating electricity and heat for the Pyeongtaek region. Revenue derived from electricity sales under power purchase agreements.
4. Renewable Energy (Solar and Wind): E1 generates revenue from solar power plants (Jeongseon 8MW, Incheon base 0.5MW) and wind power (Yeongwol 46.2MW, 11 turbines), selling electricity generated to the grid under renewable energy certificates and power purchase agreements.
5. Hydrogen Charging Services: E1 operates hydrogen refueling stations at its Orange Plus complex charging locations, generating revenue from hydrogen fuel sales to hydrogen vehicle owners. Hydrogen is positioned as the next-generation growth driver leveraging E1's existing LPG infrastructure and safety management expertise.
6. EV Charging Infrastructure and Services: E1 provides end-to-end EV charging solutions including charger installation, operation, and maintenance, serving as both infrastructure provider and operator. Revenue includes installation fees, charging revenue, and ongoing operational management fees from B2B and B2C customers.
7. Orange Card Membership Program: E1 Orange Card is a membership program generating revenue through point system transactions, partnership commissions, and service fees. The program aggregates LPG, hydrogen, and EV charging customers, monetized through cross-selling, partnership deals, and brand partnerships with tire, convenience store, and automotive service providers.
8. Subsidiary Operations (LS Networks, E1 Container Terminal, E1 Logistics): Revenue from wholly-owned and affiliated subsidiaries including LS Networks (sports brands, rental, distribution, global trading, securities), E1 Container Terminal (logistics services), and E1 Logistics (LPG transportation). E1 holds 100% of E1 Container Terminal and E1 Logistics, and acquired LS Networks in 2006.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

E1 imports, stores, and distributes LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) across the full value chain from oil-producing countries to end consumers through three domestic storage bases (Yeosu underground rock cavern, Incheon undersea rock cavern, Daesan surface tanks) and a nationwide network of dealer-operated charging stations. The company is expanding its eco-friendly energy portfolio into LNG combined-cycle power generation (Oseong plant, 833MW), hydrogen refueling stations, EV charging infrastructure, and renewable energy (solar and wind). Customer-facing digital services include the Orange Card membership program, Orange Plus multi-fuel complex charging stations, and the Titi Wash mobile car-wash platform.

Product overview

E1 is a Korean eco-friendly energy company operating an integrated energy platform centered on LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), expanded to encompass LNG power generation, renewable energy, hydrogen, and EV charging. The portfolio is anchored by core energy distribution (LPG Business, LNG Power Generation, Hydrogen Business, EV Charging, Renewable Energy) supported by customer-facing digital platforms — notably the Orange Card membership program (오렌지카드) and the Orange Plus复合 charging station brand (오렌지플러스) — and supplemented by digital service products including the Titi Wash mobile car wash app (티티워시) and the Orange TV YouTube channel (오렌지테레비). The Orange Card integrates payment services via Naver Pay, Kakao Pay, and Zero Pay, while the Orange Plus复合 brand aspires to be a mobility hub combining all eco-friendly fueling with convenience services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Orange Card: Membership card for eco-friendly vehicle customers (LPG, hydrogen, EV) offering point accumulation and partner benefits
• Orange Plus
• Titi Wash (티티워시)
• ECOS
• E1 Orange Plus

Products and services

• LPG Business End-to-end LPG distribution covering import, storage, domestic sales, re-export, and intermediary trading. Operates three domestic storage bases (Incheon undersea rock cavern, Yeosu underground rock cavern, Daesan surface low-temperature tanks) with a total capacity of approximately 466,000 tons across propane and butane. Serves industrial customers, petrochemical companies, gas utilities (Korea Gas Corporation), LPG taxi fleets, cargo truck operators, and household/commercial users through a nationwide dealer-operated charging station network.
• LNG Power Generation Business Low-carbon LNG combined-cycle power generation. E1 acquired and operates the Oseong LNG combined-cycle power plant in Pyeongtaek (833 MW capacity) in September 2024. Generates electricity and heat for the Pyeongtaek region under power purchase agreements. Marked E1's formal entry into low-carbon power generation.
• Hydrogen Business Eco-friendly hydrogen energy services including hydrogen refueling at Orange Plus multi-fuel complex charging stations. Planned expansion into liquefied hydrogen and ammonia import, storage, distribution, and hydrogen production, leveraging E1's existing LPG infrastructure and safety management expertise. Strategically positions hydrogen as the next-generation growth driver.
• EV Charging Business End-to-end EV charging solutions including charger installation, operation, and maintenance. Leverages E1's LPG charging station expertise and LS Group synergies to provide a one-stop total solution across the EV charging ecosystem, serving both B2B and B2C customers.
• Renewable Energy Business Solar and wind power generation across multiple sites: Jeongseon Solar (8MW + 21.2 MWh ESS, operational since June 2020), Incheon Base Solar (0.5MW), Yeongwol Wind (46.2 MW / 11 turbines, operational since November 2023), and LPG station rooftop solar initiatives. Electricity sold to the grid under renewable energy certificates and power purchase agreements, generating certified CO2 reductions.
• Orange Card Membership Program (오렌지카드) Membership program for eco-friendly vehicle customers (LPG, hydrogen, EV) offering point accumulation (6P per 1,000 KRW for LPG/EV; 44P per kg for hydrogen), partnership discounts (Tirepick 2-4%, CU, Emart, PROSPECS), and integrated payment services via Naver Pay, Kakao Pay, Zero Pay, and Orange Card Pay. First-charging bonus of 500P and 200P commemorative date bonus.
• Orange Plus Multi-Fuel Complex Charging Stations (오렌지플러스) Eco-friendly combined charging station brand integrating LPG, hydrogen, and EV charging with vehicle-related convenience services (car wash, cafe, convenience store) into a total Car Life space. Functions as a mobility hub connecting Car Life O2O services. The first Greater Seoul area LPG-hydrogen combined charging station opened on July 18, 2022.
• Titi Wash Mobile Car Wash Platform (티티워시) Mobile car wash platform app allowing customers to purchase wash tickets, find real-time car wash station information, and make payments at E1 charging stations. Works for all fuel types including LPG, EV, gasoline, and hydrogen vehicles. Includes stamp loyalty program and discounted ticket purchases in-app.

Quantifiable outcome

• 42 years of zero accidents at Yeosu base (longest in Korean private energy industry)
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

AI capability5 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Tirepick (타이어픽)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 April 2026E1 entered a business partnership with Tirepick, Korea's #1 online tire platform, to provide E1 Orange Card members with exclusive discount coupons. Members receive 2% additional discount for domestic tires and 4% for imported tires (no monthly limit). Members can also use Orange Points as cash at Tirepick's ~800 partner stores nationwide. The partnership covers all fuel types (LPG, EV, hydrogen) and was signed on March 26, 2026 at E1 headquarters.
• National Intelligence Service (국가정보원) - 사이버파트너스minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 March 2025E1 joined 사이버파트너스 (Cyber Partners), a public-private cybersecurity cooperation body led by Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS). The body includes 110 companies and 20 national/public institutions across defense, security, core technology, finance, and energy sectors. E1 participates to strengthen its cybersecurity response capability and information protection management system.
• E1 Gas Vietnam ( acquired from Venus Gas major shareholder)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 December 2024E1 acquired E1 Gas Vietnam in December 2024 from the major shareholder of Venus Gas, Vietnam's largest LPG importer. This is part of E1's 'Second Home Project' to expand its LPG business internationally, following the joint venture LPG cold storage tank terminal project in Haiphong.
• Venus Gas (Vietnam)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 December 2021E1 signed a joint venture contract with Venus Gas's major shareholder to build an 80,000-ton LPG refrigeration tank terminal in the Bac Tien Phong Industrial Zone near Haiphong, Vietnam. The terminal (50,000 tons propane, 30,000 tons butane) began construction in first half of 2022 with commercial operation targeted for 2025. E1 supplies LPG and manages terminal operations while local partners handle transportation. Expected annual supply of 1 million tons to the Vietnamese market.
• Korea Association of Welfare Facilities for the Disabled (한국장애인복지시설협회)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2011Since 2011, E1 has partnered with the Korea Association of Welfare Facilities for the Disabled to operate the Hope Charging Campaign (희망충전캠페인). E1 donates 105 million KRW annually to 21 welfare facilities nationwide. Orange Card customers contribute points and E1 matches them. E1 employees volunteer at facilities through the Hope Charging Volunteer Corps (희망충전봉사단) established in 2012.
• KLPGA (Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerE1 has co-hosted the E1 Charity Open golf tournament with KLPGA since 2013. The tournament features ~140 players with a 1 billion KRW prize pool, combined with charitable donations. KLPGA players donate portions of their prize money, and E1 provides matching donations. In 2025, ~300 million KRW was raised in total donations (approximately 250 million KRW to GoodNeighbors and Naver Happybean, with remaining to disabled welfare facilities).
• GoodNeighbors (굿네이버스)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerE1 partners with GoodNeighbors, a global child rights NGO, for the E1 Charity Open. In 2025, 250 million KRW was donated to GoodNeighbors through the E1 Charity Open, supporting programs for children in vulnerable households. The partnership is part of E1's broader social contribution strategy.
• Naver Happybean (네이버 해피빈)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerE1 partners with Naver Happybean through the E1 Charity Open, receiving charitable donations facilitated via the Naver Happybean platform for one-parent families, unmarried mother households, and vulnerable children and youth.
• Korean Red Cross (대한적십자사)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerE1 received the Red Cross Member Merit Medal of Honor (회원유공장 명예대장) in August 2021 from the Korean Red Cross, recognizing its long-standing social contribution activities including disaster relief support and blood donation campaigns.
• LS Networks (주식회사 LS네트웍스, formerly 국제상사)coreOthersE1 acquired LS Networks (formerly International Trading Company) in 2006, expanding into brand business (PROSPECS, Montbell), rental (LS Yongsan Tower), distribution (Toyota, BMW, KTM), global trading, and securities. LS Networks is a consolidated subsidiary of E1 and part of the LS Group.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• SK Energy (SK Innovation): South Korea's largest petroleum and energy company, part of SK Group. Operates extensive refining, petrochemical, and EV battery businesses, directly comparable to E1 in LPG trading, petroleum products distribution, petrochemical feedstock supply, and energy transition strategy (hydrogen, EV charging, renewables).
• GS Energy: Korean energy company under GS Group, active in LPG import/distribution, city gas, power generation, and renewable energy. Closely comparable to E1 in integrated LPG value chain, industrial fuel supply, and multi-energy portfolio strategy.
• Korea Gas Corporation (KOGAS): State-owned Korean natural gas utility and largest LNG importer. E1 supplies LPG to KOGAS for city gas heat adjustment; both companies operate large-scale gas storage infrastructure and pursue hydrogen economy investments, making KOGAS a structural peer in gas distribution and energy transition.
• DCC Energy: International sales, marketing, and support business for LPG (and other downstream energy products) of DCC plc, headquartered in Ireland. Comparable to E1 as a downstream LPG distributor focused on retail and commercial markets across multiple geographies.

Direct peers

• Hyundai Oilbank: Korean petroleum refining and retail company operating service stations and LPG businesses. Comparable to E1 as a downstream fuels marketer with refining-to-retail integration, LPG distribution, and growing convenience/loyalty platform offerings.
• S-OIL Corporation: Korean petroleum refining and marketing company owned by Saudi Aramco. Directly comparable to E1 as a downstream fuels operator with refining, retail stations, and LPG businesses, and notable as E1's primary LPG supplier (Saudi Aramco) is S-OIL's parent.
• SHV Energy: Global LPG distribution leader (Dutch-headquartered) operating across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Comparable to E1 as a multi-country LPG distributor focused on retail and industrial markets, with parallel investments in renewable and cleaner fuels.
• UGI Corporation: U.S.-based international LPG and natural gas distributor. Comparable to E1 in LPG distribution to retail, commercial, and industrial customers, and in pursuing energy transition including renewable natural gas and renewable propane.
• SK Gas: Korean LPG distributor specializing in auto LPG and industrial LPG, part of SK Group. Closely comparable to E1 as a direct competitor in Korean LPG distribution, auto LPG fueling stations, and industrial LPG supply to petrochemical customers.

Others

• SK Networks (LS Group counterpart): Korean conglomerate with energy trading and distribution businesses (speedmate, energy networks). Comparable to E1 in LPG and energy distribution as a Korean conglomerate subsidiary, though operating different segments (gas stations, convenience).

Market position

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/E1orangeTV

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments2 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about E1