Kempower Success Stories: Electrify Your Fleet Today

Modern charging infrastructure in the canton of Zurich in Switzerland: PostBus operator Rolf Stutz AG electrifies bus fleet with Kempower’s charging solution

Kempower — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 04:10:47 +0000

Back to customer stories 2025-06-18 • 3 min read

Modern charging infrastructure in the canton of Zurich in Switzerland: PostBus operator Rolf Stutz AG electrifies bus fleet with Kempower’s charging solution

The Swiss transport company Rolf Stutz AG, operating on behalf of the Zurich Transport Network (ZVV), has established a new electric bus depot equipped with state-of-the-art charging infrastructure from Kempower. The installation was carried out by BIBUS AG in collaboration with Elektro Biderbost AG. The new depot allows twelve electric buses to be charged simultaneously at twelve charging points, each with a capacity of up to 160 kilowatts. The total installed charging power amounts to 1.2 megawatts. With this move, Rolf Stutz AG is taking a significant step toward emission-free mobility.

Electrification of public transportation in rural areas

As a traditional family-run company, Rolf Stutz AG has been transporting people in Switzerland daily since 1950, particularly in rural regions where travel distances often make walking or cycling impractical. In these areas, sustainable mobility solutions are crucial. In Switzerland, around 34% of the country’s total CO₂ emissions come from the transport sector, according to the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment. Switching to electric vehicles is essential for achieving national and regional climate targets.

“With the new charging infrastructure, we are contributing to the decarbonization of the transport sector and are optimally prepared for the mobility of tomorrow. The charging system is not only powerful but also future-proof and scalable – that was particularly important to us because we always want to develop further,” says Patrick Stutz, Managing Director of Rolf Stutz AG.

High charging capacity in a compact space

Across the depot, a total of 1.2 megawatts of charging power is distributed among twelve charging points. This is comparable to the electricity demand of a small district with several hundred households.

Installing the twelve high-performance charging points was especially challenging due to the limited space, but the challenge was successfully met: the compact Kempower Control Units were mounted on crossbeams in a space-saving manner. Their integrated cable reel mechanism allows for easy handling during daily operations. Two modular Power Units each deliver up to 600 kW and can simultaneously supply up to eight charging points.

The system is complemented by the EV charging management software Charge Eye, which allows operators on site to efficiently monitor operations, precisely analyze faults, and quickly resolve issues.

“We are proud to have implemented a future-proof, high-performance charging infrastructure in a compact space for Rolf Stutz AG. Thanks to Kempower’s intelligent charging technology and the well-planned setup, the new depot is ideally equipped for electric bus operations – dynamic, modular, and scalable,” explains Dirk Werner, Product Manager E-Mobility & Energy at BIBUS AG.

Sustainable mobility requires strong infrastructure

With the successful implementation of this charging infrastructure project, Rolf Stutz AG sends a clear signal for sustainable public transport in rural areas. The successful project shows that electrification of public transport can be efficiently advanced, even in structurally challenging regions. What it takes is intelligent and scalable charging infrastructure. Kempower is thus laying the foundation for making the transportation transition a reality across the board.

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Leading the charge: Kempower provides charging infrastructure to Ekleo, a pioneering French transportation company

Kempower — Mon, 12 May 2025 06:37:10 +0000

Back to customer stories 2025-05-12 • 5 min read

Leading the charge: Kempower provides charging infrastructure to Ekleo, a pioneering French transportation company

When French road transportation company EKLEO decided it wanted to take its commitment to sustainable logistics to the next level, the commissioning of a charging site for its electric trucks was the natural choice. By building an electric heavy vehicles fleet with vehicles from Scania, Volvo and Mercedes and installing Kempower charging infrastructure in partnership with Providiris at its logistics site, EKLEO became one of the first French transportation companies to commit to the electric truck transition.

The electric truck transition is reaching a high point – Kempower expects the commercial vehicle DC charging market in Europe and North America to have a 37% compound annual growth rate up to 2030. As the electric truck revolution builds, the most pioneering companies are already embracing the benefits of an electric truck fleet. EKLEO, a French road transportation company which places sustainability at the heart of its operations, decided to become a leader in the movement and build its own electric truck fleet and charging site.

With a fleet of two Scania electric trucks, two Volvo electric trucks and two Mercedes electric tractors, EKLEO worked with Providiris to build a charging site at its center located in the Centre-Val de Loire region offering four charging points each delivering up to 300 kW, where the vehicles can charge before long-haul journeys.

The site now acts as an example for other smaller transportation companies looking to lead the green transition and fulfil green values. The project shows that, with a clear strategy and sensible resource allocation, committing to the e-mobility transition is possible for any transportation company, no matter its size.

Proudly leading the e-mobility transition

EKLEO is a true pioneer in the e-mobility space and has demonstrated its commitment to sustainable transportation for several years. Already back in 2015, EKLEO signed the ADEME (The French Agency for Ecological Transition) Objectif CO2 charter, which compels transportation companies to pledge to work towards an overall CO2 emissions reduction goal over a period of three years. Thanks to its emission reduction efforts since then, which include becoming one of the first transportation companies to acquire and operate an electric distribution truck in 2021, EKLEO received the “Objectif CO2” label from ADEME’s Voluntary Commitments for the Environment (EVE) program in 2023.

In late 2023, EKLEO decided to take its sustainable commitment one step further and commissioned an electric supercharging station dedicated to truck charging for its growing heavy vehicles fleet, which currently consists of two electric trucks and two electric tractors. The emissions savings benefits have been significant: in the first six months of 2024, the company covered a total of 42,837 km using electric vehicles, saving 46,264 kg of CO2 emissions. Each trip taken by an electric truck from EKLEO’s fleet emits up to six times less greenhouse gases compared to a diesel model.

We firmly believe that equipping ourselves with electric trucks is a meaningful step for the planet as well as for the people who live on it. his initiative strengthens our ambition to achieve 30% of all kilometers covered by EKLEO trucks being zero-emission by 2027, while supporting our profitability and environmental responsibility objectives.”, said Kévin Lenoir, CEO of EKLEO.

High charging performance for a productive fleet

The site’s charging setup consists of a 1000 kVa which delivers power to two double-armed Kempower Station Chargers, resulting in four charging points on site. Each charging point can provide up to 300 kW and is able to fully charge an electric truck in just 1.5 hours.

During a recent route, one of EKLEO’s electric trucks completed a 491 km journey without stopping to charge, setting a range record for an electric heavy goods vehicle in France. The Mercedes Actros e-600 completed the round trip while carrying a load of 21 tons. The success of the trip shows that EKLEO is able to commit to reducing its carbon footprint while maintaining high-quality service for its clients.

With EKLEO fully committing to its green values with the new site, it was essential that the charging infrastructure also offered high performance and delivered financial returns. Kempower chargers maintain a 99% uptime, due to a modular design. This means that if one modular unit fails, it will not affect the function of the other chargers. The chargers also employ dynamic power sharing, meaning power is distributed across the sites’ dispensers according to need, allocating the optimal amount of power between all trucks being charged at any one time. This minimizes charging times for truck drivers, who are limited by maximum break periods, and cuts idle power wastage, making it highly cost-efficient.

Preparing the truck charging site for seamless scalability

The site is built to grow with the evolving electric truck transition. Currently, EKLEO owns four electric trucks but holds plans for a larger fleet in the future as the transition progresses.

The current grid connection offers 1000 kW, enough to serve the two 350 kW chargers, leaving plenty of space to expand the site by adding more chargers as EKLEO’s fleet grows. EKLEO has plans to equip another site with EV charging infrastructure in 2026, to meet its goal of 30% of all kilometers covered by EKLEO trucks being zero-emission by 2027.

The scaling of the charging infrastructure will be seamless due to Kempower chargers’ modularity. The compact size of Kempower’s chargers means they take up little space, leaving room for future additions to the site.

We are incredibly proud to work with EKLEO as they are an example of a mid-size company that chose to take the lead in the e-mobility space and is now reaping the rewards,” said Cédric Moret, Head of Sales France at Kempower.

“EKLEO’s success shows that preparing for the electric truck transition is possible for any transportation company – EKLEO decided to walk the talk and deliver on the sustainability values that are so important to its team. The result is a productive truck fleet that is a pioneering symbol of the e-mobility transition.”, continues Moret.

“We are particularly honored to have supported our client in deploying an innovative and high-performance charging infrastructure for their fleet of electric heavy-duty trucks,” added Éric Ronco, President of Proviridis. “This project perfectly demonstrates our commitment to providing sustainable energy solutions tailored to the needs of the transport sector. The success of this installation is the result of a strong strategic partnership, proving that the energy transition is both a tangible reality and a significant benefit for all.”

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Powerlines Germany is driving forward the electrification of PFLAUM logistics with Kempower technology in Upper Franconia

Kempower — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 06:41:51 +0000

Back to customer stories 2025-04-29 • 3 min read

Powerlines Germany is driving forward the electrification of PFLAUM logistics with Kempower technology in Upper Franconia

Logistics service provider PFLAUM in Strullendorf, near Bamberg, is focusing on sustainable mobility and has therefore commissioned Dettelbacher Energiesysteme to implement the charging infrastructure and install a PV system including a large battery storage unit. The aim was to install powerful and flexible charging infrastructure to optimally meet the requirements of PFLAUM logistics electrified fleet. Kempower, one of the leading providers of fast-charging solutions, is supplying the necessary technology. Powerlines is building and operating the charging station with its own employees as a partner of Kempower.

Our collaboration with Kempower enables us to provide first-class fast-charging technologies that support PFLAUM logistics on its journey towards sustainable and flexible electric mobility. We are proud of our regional proximity to PFLAUM logistics, ensuring optimal implementation of the project and providing reliable service and maintenance of the chargers. We are delighted to contribute to this pioneering project and create a future-proof infrastructure,” explains Felix Fait, Partner & Solution Manager, Electromobility and Charging Infrastructure at Powerlines Germany.

Kempower’s distributed charging system with 600 kW of dynamic power capacity was successful commissioned by Powerlines. The installation includes a triple Kempower Power Unit with eight charging points. Two of these charging points are equipped with liquid-cooled CCS cables (500A charging current, 5m cable length), while six other charging points have uncooled CCS cables (300A, 5m cable length).

Project goals: sustainable transformation of logistics

With this project, PFLAUM logistics is pursuing a comprehensive strategy to reduce CO² emissions and to sustainably transform the logistics industry.
The key project goals include:

Helping to shape the transformation to CO²-neutral logistics
Collecting experience with charging stations and battery storage for electric vehicles
Using their own electricity from the company’s own PV system with an output of 1,660 kWp
Creating added value for both the company and its customers: e-trucks run on “green electricity”
Using government subsidies to support the investment

Intelligent fast charging technology for high efficiency

The fast-charging solutions from Kempower enable demand-based power control. By connecting the individual charging points to the centralized power unit, charging capacities of up to 400 kW can be realized, whereby the installed capacity of 600 kW can be distributed according to demand. This offers a high degree of flexibility, as individual charging points can be prioritized to ensure optimized fast charging processes.

Another advantage: The high availability of Kempower components minimizes downtime. The modularity of the system ensures that charging points remain operational, even if part of the system would be temporarily out of service.

Focus on environmental friendliness, safety and flexibility

With this step, PFLAUM logistics is pursuing a future-oriented strategy to not only increase the sustainability of its logistics solutions, but also ensuring operational safety and flexibility with regards to changes in the energy market.

The installation of this fast-charging solution is an important milestone in our corporate sustainability strategy. Kempower’s intelligent charging management software ChargEye ensures optimal energy distribution and enables flexible charging planning. In this way, we ensure the maximum availability of our fleet,” explains Matthias Schellenberger, Managing Director at PFLAUM logistics.

Sustainable investment in the future of electromobility

“Electromobility is not a short-lived trend. Changes in legislation and increasing environmental awareness require reliable fast-charging solutions to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles. Kempower provides exactly the technology that makes the charging depot flexible and efficient,” emphasizes Jens Conrad, Head of Sales at Kempower.

This project shows that powerful fast-charging solutions play a key role in the sustainable transformation of the logistics industry. With an intelligent charging infrastructure, PFLAUM logistics is setting the course for future-proof, emission-free mobility.

PFLAUM logistics commissioned Dettelbacher with the implementation of the charging infrastructure and the installation of a PV system including a large battery storage unit. As a partner, Powerlines provided the technology from Kempower and took over the installation and commissioning of the charging infrastructure as well as the connection to a charging management system.

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Sustainable commuting in the Czech Republic: Comett Plus transforms bus fleet with innovative charging infrastructure

Kempower — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 09:06:56 +0000

Back to customer stories 2025-03-28 • 4 min read

Sustainable commuting in the Czech Republic: Comett Plus transforms bus fleet with innovative charging infrastructure

Comett Plus, the largest transportation company in Tábor, Czech Republic, is taking a decisive step towards sustainable mobility by electrifying its bus fleet. With a significant number of six IVECO CRW LE electric buses and eight Solaris Urbino 12 electric buses operating in Tábor’s city fleet as well as on the Tábor-Vlašim and Tabor-Benešov lines, Comett Plus is showing a strong commitment to environmentally friendly solutions in public transportation. The company transports around 6,5 million passengers in city public a year and has already successfully electrified a third of its bus fleet. Within a year, the electric vehicles are expected to cover nearly one million kilometers.

Project goals: sustainable transformation of urban transportation

The project aims to reduce the company’s CO₂ emissions and make public transportation in the region more sustainable. Electrifying the bus fleet not only helps to reduce emissions but also increases the efficiency of operations. Comett Plus relies on an efficient charging infrastructure that ensures the continuous and reliable operation of the e-buses.

Efficient charging infrastructure for flexible operation

A total of 17 charging points were installed at the two locations in Tábor and Mladá Vožice to support Comett Plus e-mobility. In Mladá Vožice, two double-arm Kempower Satellites and one single Kempower Satellite were installed, providing a total of five charging points. The Tábor site has six double-arm Kempower Satellites ensuring an even distribution of charging power and a high degree of flexibility. There is also a Kempower Movable Charger, which is in the service area for buses to charge them when being serviced.

Collaboration with E.ON in the Czech Republic as solution partner

Comett Plus worked with E.ON in the Czech Republic, an experienced provider of charging solutions, to design and implement the charging infrastructure. E.ON, represented by Senior Project Manager Jakub Michalec, coordinated the installation and commissioning of the charging points and ensured that the charging infrastructure meets the high requirements of a modern vehicle fleet: “The electrification of local public transport is an inevitable trend. The example of Comett Plus shows that there is no universal solution. It is crucial to adapt the entire system individually to the customer’s needs.”

“By electrifying our bus fleet and implementing a reliable charging infrastructure, we are making a significant contribution to climate protection while ensuring that we meet the needs of the region. Our collaboration with E.ON in the Czech Republic was crucial to the success of this project,” says Milan Kolar, CEO of Comett Plus.

Future-proof mobility for Tábor and the surrounding area

By electrifying the bus fleet and setting up an efficient charging infrastructure, Comett Plus is paving the way for environmentally friendly mobility in South Bohemia. “The project is an essential part of our strategy to transform public transportation in a sustainable way. We are proud to be making our contribution to a greener future,” adds Ales Melich, Head of Bus Transport at Comett Plus.

Innovative technology for efficient operation

The charging infrastructure supports the efficient use of the e-buses and ensures high availability. The charging points at the two locations enable fast and needs-based charging to ensure the daily operation of the fleet. The installation of these modern charging points is another example of how intelligent charging infrastructure can make a significant contribution to promoting e-mobility.

With this step, Comett Plus is demonstrating how the electrification of the fleet and the right charging infrastructure can enable sustainable and efficient operation in public transportation. The company is thus sending out a strong signal of support for environmental protection and a climate-friendly future.

“We are delighted to have realized this pioneering project together with Comett Plus and are convinced that it will be a model for many other cities and companies,” says Jakub Michalec, Senior Project Manager at E.ON CZ.

“The electrification of public transportation is a crucial step towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. We are delighted to be working with Comett Plus to provide the charging infrastructure necessary for the reliable operation of their modern e-bus fleet. This partnership demonstrates how powerful fast-charging technology plays a central role in the transformation of the transportation sector and lays the foundation for zero-emission mobility in South Bohemia,” says Igor Ban, Head of Sales for Central and Eastern Europe at Kempower.

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Rhein-Mosel-Eifel Waste Management Association advances fleet electrification with Kempower technology

Kempower — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 07:03:23 +0000

Back to customer stories 2025-02-25 • 1 min read

Rhein-Mosel-Eifel Waste Management Association advances fleet electrification with Kempower technology

The Rhein-Mosel-Eifel Waste Management Association (Abfallzweckverband; AZV) is committed to electromobility and has implemented a modern charging infrastructure to support its sustainable fleet consisting of 10 Volvo FE Electric refuse collection vehicles from Volvo Trucks Germany. The goal is to create a powerful and scalable solution to meet operational requirements for charging capacity and flexibility. Kempower, one of the leading providers of fast-charging solutions, supplies the necessary technology. The Europe-wide tender was won by European Electrical Bus Company (EEBC), which offers Kempower charging stations.

The successful installation and commissioning of the charging infrastructure created the basis for the operation of ten Volvo FE Electric refuse collection vehicles. The charging infrastructure provides an efficient and sustainable solution to reduce CO₂ emissions while ensuring the operational capability of the fleet.

Project Goals: Sustainable transformation of the Volvo FE Electric fleet

With this project, AZV pursues a comprehensive strategy for reducing CO₂ emissions in Ochtendung near Koblenz, in Rhineland-Palatinate and achieving a sustainable transformation of the organization. The key project objectives include:

Gradual electrification of the entire Volvo FE Electric fleet

Establishment of a future-proof charging infrastructure

Contribution to climate protection by reducing CO₂ emissions

Utilization of innovative fast-charging technologies to increase efficiency

Intelligent fast-charging technology for high efficiency

Kempower’s fast-charging solutions enable demand-based power management. By connecting individual charging points DC-side to the power unit, charging capacities can be flexibly allocated to prioritized charging processes.

Another advantage: The high redundancy of Kempower components minimizes downtime. Even in the event of a failure of individual rectifier modules, the remaining charging points remain operational.

Focus on environmental friendliness, safety, and flexibility

By electrifying its Volvo Fe Electric fleet, AZV is pursuing a future-oriented strategy. Installing an intelligent charging infrastructure not only enhances the sustainability of the waste management sector but also improves operational efficiency and flexibility.

“The implementation of the charging infrastructure with Kempower technology is a key step in our strategy for sustainable mobility. This allows us to not only reduce our CO₂ emissions but also increase the efficiency of our fleet,” says Thomas Neckenig, Deputy Managing Director at AZV Rhein-Mosel-Eifel.

“As a partner of Kempower, we are proud to support AZV Rhein-Mosel-Eifel in implementing this forward-thinking charging infrastructure. Our solutions provide the necessary flexibility and efficiency to successfully drive the sustainable transformation of the fleet,” adds Thomas Mang, Managing Director at EEBC.

Sustainable investment in the future of electromobility

Electromobility is a crucial part of the sustainable transformation of waste management. The combination of innovative charging technology and strategic fleet electrification demonstrates that high-performance fast-charging solutions play a key role in environmentally friendly corporate modernization.

With intelligent charging infrastructure, AZV is setting the course for a future-proof, emission-free mobility.

“This project demonstrates how powerful and flexible fast-charging technology supports the transition to more sustainable mobility. We are excited to accompany AZV Rhein-Mosel-Eifel on their journey toward fleet electrification with our innovative Kempower solution,” says Philipp Oppolzer, Regional Business Development Director Central Europe, Kempower.

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Kempower supports award-winning design for accessible charging in Australia

Kempower — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 06:25:34 +0000

Back to customer stories 2024-12-30 • 5 min read

Kempower supports award-winning design for accessible charging in Australia

For many EV drivers, finding a charging site that is both functional and welcoming can make or break a journey. In Australia, where the e-mobility revolution is still in its early stages and charging anxiety is high, it is especially important to set high standards at charging sites.

In 2022, the Royal Automobile Association of South Australia (RAA) implemented Kempower charging infrastructure for its new EV network across South Australia. With years of experience delivering market-leading EV charging solutions in the harsh Nordic climate, Kempower now brings its expertise to Australia’s contrasting conditions, supported by a dedicated Melbourne-based team providing nationwide assistance. This collaboration resulted in Kempower providing DC fast chargers for 54 of the 142 sites, including the award-winning RAA Charge site at Snowtown — a landmark in accessibility and user-friendliness.

The RAA Charge Snowtown site employs four Kempower Satellite chargers connected to a Kempower Power Unit, capable of producing a 200kW maximum output, enabling them to recharge an EV in as little as 20–30 minutes. Opened in February 2024, the Snowtown site is a prime example of how accessibility and innovation can transform EV charging hubs into driver-friendly destinations. Chosen from over 84 nominations nationwide, it earned the title of Best EV Charging Station in Australia from the Australian Electric Vehicle Association (AEVA), recognizing its exceptional amenities, design, and user experience.

Accessibility at the core of design

Many challenges at public charging sites stem from poor accessibility and design, leaving drivers with disabilities or large vehicles struggling to use essential infrastructure. These issues are particularly pressing in Australia, where long road trips and inclusive facilities are vital to the country’s self-driving holiday culture. The RAA Charge Snowtown site addresses these challenges head-on, setting a national benchmark for user-friendly and inclusive charging hubs.

The RAA Charge Snowtown site was designed by RAA to prioritize accessibility, using Kempower’s state of the art hardware. The site includes priority charging bays for drivers with disabilities, ensuring equal access to EV charging—a feature that is often lacking at many public charging locations. Pull-through parking at the site also accommodates caravans and trailers, an essential feature for Australia’s road trippers. Thoughtful features like undercover shelter and bright lighting enhance the site’s usability, making it a comfortable and safe environment for all.

Each of the site’s four Kempower Satellites has a footprint no larger than an A4 piece of paper—among the smallest on the market—and can be installed up to 80 meters from the Kempower Power Unit. This compact, flexible design allowed RAA to optimize space without compromising accessibility, ensuring that large vehicles can easily access the site while maintaining sufficient room for accessible charging bays.

Another common issue at public charging sites is the usability of charging cables, which are often difficult to handle for drivers with limited mobility. Kempower addresses this with a spring-assisted cable arm system, making the cables easier to manage for all drivers. These features not only enhance the physical accessibility of the site but also make the overall charging experience seamless and enjoyable.

User-friendly features for an enjoyable EV charging experience

The RAA Charge Snowtown site combines thoughtful design with practical amenities to create a well-presented stop for locals and tourists alike.

Located near Perry’s Roadhouse, the site offers convenient access to restrooms, food, and drinks while vehicles charge. With undercover shelter and bright lighting, it offers comfort and safety for drivers during dark nights and under the blazing sun. This combination of features helps eliminate barriers to EV adoption, particularly in regional Australia, where charging is often perceived as inconvenient.

The RAA Charge network features strategically placed charging sites throughout the entire state —with no two sites located more than 200 kilometers apart—well within the driving range of an average EV in Australia. At Snowtown, an additional AC charger complements Kempower’s four ultra-rapid DC chargers, offering an extra layer of security for drivers. This setup supports RAA’s mission to make EV charging stress-free, particularly in remote areas, which make up 75% of the network’s sites.

Kempower chargers also feature customizable screens displaying charging time estimates, allowing drivers to track their charging status with their mobile devices while using nearby amenities. Integration with the ChargeFox app ensures drivers can locate chargers, check availability, and manage payments seamlessly.

Optimal site planning for a future-proof network

Balancing accessibility, efficiency, and site profitability is a key challenge for charging operators.

With the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) predicting that there could be 120,000 full battery electric vehicles (BEVs) on South Australian roads by 2030, RAA needed a solution that could scale with demand. Kempower’s modular satellite system offered the necessary flexibility, allowing for a power increase in increments of 50 kW as demand grows. This scalability ensures future readiness while maximizing the site’s ROI by optimizing power utilization. Kempower’s dynamic power-sharing feature further enhances efficiency, allowing more vehicles to charge simultaneously and profitably.

In addition to efficient space utilization, Kempower chargers are built to last. Both the Kempower Power Unit and Satellites are designed for indoor and outdoor use, featuring weatherproof casing and special electronic coatings to withstand temperatures from −30°C to +50°C. This durability ensures reliable operation even in South Australia’s harsh climate, where summer temperatures often reach into the 40s.

Award-winning site design setting a new standard

Nick Reade, CEO, RAA, commented:

“RAA is incredibly proud to be leading the charge in Australia when it comes to the design and installation of accessible charging infrastructure. We’ve been keeping our members on the road for over 120 years, and we plan on being there for them now and into the future, as more and more Australians choose to make the transition to EVs.”

“Snowtown showcases what’s possible when strategic planning meets customer-focused design. It’s about more than just charging—it’s about creating a positive experience for EV drivers, wherever they travel

Max Davis, Kempower’s Head of Sales, ANZ, added:

“Kempower’s scalability and modularity is at the core to flexible site design, and so we are delighted that this has enabled RAA to deliver a best in class charging hub. We look forward to continuing our support for RAA to be a trailblazer in the South Australian market.”

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Swiss Recycling Expert Schneider Umweltservice uses Kempower technology to power its sustainable e-truck fleet

Kempower — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 12:17:48 +0000

Back to customer stories 2024-12-20 • 4 min read

Swiss Recycling Expert Schneider Umweltservice uses Kempower technology to power its sustainable e-truck fleet

Swiss recycling company Schneider Umweltservice (Environmental Service) is introducing its electric truck fleet to support the decarbonization of its production processes and take a significant step towards a sustainable and low-emission future. As part of this, the fleet was expanded to seven electric trucks in 2024, which are used for waste and recyclables disposal for commercial and industrial customers in the greater Zurich area. This corresponds to 20 percent of Schneider Umweltservice’s total fleet, which is now focusing on electromobility. A further 36 e-trucks are planned by 2026.

The successful implementation of this project was made possible by forward-looking planning and a partnership with Kempower, a leading provider of fast-charging infrastructure solutions. Kempower is working closely with its partner Scania Schweiz AG to implement the project.

Optimized charging infrastructure for an efficient e-truck fleet

The electrification of the truck fleet places high demands on the charging infrastructure. It must not only be reliable and efficient, but also flexible enough to meet the different charging requirements of the trucks. This is why Schneider Umweltservice opted for Kempower’s charging solutions.

Philipp Oppolzer, Regional Business Development Director in Central Europe, Kempower, explains: “In order to benefit from the electrification of trucks as quickly as possible, the charging infrastructure must also be correctly dimensioned. This must be optimized in terms of battery capacity, the maximum charging current of the vehicles and the power actually required for the round trip. With intelligent dynamic power distribution as offered by Kempower, smaller power units and power connections than usual are used, which has a significant impact on and running costs.”

Efficient charging management for a sustainable fleet

Schneider Umweltservice now uses the e-trucks throughout the canton of Zurich and parts of central Switzerland. In Mönchaltorf, the installed charging station with a total of four Kempower satellites, each with two charging points, offers a total output of 380 kW. The Volketswil site is even bigger than that: 16 charging points with 160 kW each and therefore a total output of 800 kW are now installed here. The charging parks are designed in such a way that they can be expanded if necessary – corresponding preparations such as empty conduits and foundations have already been laid.

The cloud-based charging management system Kempower ChargEye is also being used. This system makes it possible to monitor the e-trucks’ charging status in real time and dynamically adjust the power distribution. This ensures that the vehicles are optimally charged. Sabrina Huber, Environmental Engineer at Schneider Umweltservice, says:

The software allows us to track the charging process in detail: from charging progress to any charging errors. In this way, we can react quickly if there is an error during loading, for example. We are now also able to regulate power utilization. This means that the charging points provide the necessary power evenly throughout the night. This prevents a peak if five drivers connect their e-truck to the power supply at the same time.”

Vision 2028: Fully electric transportation

Schneider Umweltservice is pursuing a comprehensive sustainability strategy in which e-mobility is an important goal: by 2028, 90 percent of transport tasks are to be carried out purely electrically. To achieve this, the company is planning to continuously electrify its fleet of trucks. “While our customers benefit from almost silent waste collection due to our e-trucks, we are also meeting the requirements of the future: not only are we reducing CO₂ emissions, we are also producing the electricity for our vehicles ourselves. We are also going one step further and now also have electrically powered sorting excavators in Volketswil, Rotholz and Perlen,” says Sabrina Huber.

The energy for the electric vehicles and the charging infrastructure comes from the company’s own photovoltaic systems. At the Volketswil site, more than 4,000 solar modules generate over 1.6 million kWh of sustainable electricity every year. In this way, Schneider Umweltservice not only reduces its carbon footprint, but also strengthens the company’s energy independence.

Schneider Umweltservice is also planning to expand electromobility at other locations. Further charging parks are to launch n in Perlen and Chrüzegg this year, followed by Regensdorf and Adliswil next year.

Low-emission transportation in the greater Zurich area

The success of Umweltservice Schneider’s e-truck fleet shows how the transition to electromobility can be implemented efficiently and effectively through careful planning and the use of modern, intelligent charging infrastructure. “The switch to electric trucks is a significant step towards a more sustainable future. We are proud not only to reduce our CO₂ emissions, but also to actively contribute to the energy transition by producing the electricity for our fleet ourselves,” states Sabrina Huber, Environmental Engineer at Schneider Umweltservice.

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Supporting Zunder’s expansion and electrifying France’s highways with a boost to national charging infrastructure

Kempower — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 12:01:30 +0000

Back to customer stories 2024-12-16 • 5 min read

Supporting Zunder’s expansion and electrifying France’s highways

In summer 2024, Zunder, one of Spain’s leading charge point operators (CPOs), reinforced its presence in France with the help of Kempower. Zunder specializes in ultra-fast charging and its highway charging network aims to enable EV drivers to travel long distances without needing to worry about where they’ll charge or for how long.

Kempower has been powering Zunder’s charging stations with its technology since 2022 , with the electrification of many of the CPO’s charging stations in Spain. When Zunder began the extension of its growing charging network into the French market last year, it once again called upon Kempower’s market leading DC fast chargers to provide the technical excellence needed to operate a fast-paced highway charge point.

Charging hubs at the heart of the motorway network

During July 2024, two large charging stations were launched in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France along two highways: Val-de-Cher, on the A85 motorway, and Bourges-Marmagne, on the A71 motorway. They each comprised 25 Kempower Charging Satellites with an ultra-fast power output of up to 400kW and allow the recharging of both electric cars and caravans. The stations are amongst the largest on the French highway network.

Zunder opted for charging stations equipped with a large number of charge points in order to ensure customers who are traveling don’t need to wait for a space and incur additional stop time, including during the peak summer season when more people are driving long distances for holidays.

We have an important part to play in laying the groundwork for mass adoption of EVs and we’re committed to offering only the most efficient equipment on the market as we do this.”

Zunder secured the project after bidding for a public tender from VINCI Autoroutes, one of France’s largest highway operators. The locations of the charge points reflected Zunder and Vinci’s missions to build a network of charging points along highways and Kempower’s technology went hand-in-hand with this.

Ignasi Crespo, Head of International Business at Zunder, said: “We want to drive forward a charging solution that allows more EV drivers to feel confident and comfortable taking longer journeys in their cars by providing the infrastructure they need, where they need it. The project, at the heart of the motorway network, corresponded exactly with our core expertise so we were delighted to be chosen by VINCI Autoroutes.”

He continued: “To deliver valuable charging options for highway drivers, we needed a charging technology with the ability to offer short charging times and support quick stops. Our previous experience of working with Kempower told us that their solutions had the high power, reliability and efficiency to support our vision for charging stations which make life easier for EV drivers on highways.”

Eleanor Lopez, Head of Commercial Installations Development at VINCI Autoroutes, added: “The transport sector accounts for 30% of greenhouse gas emissions, and road transport represents 95% of these emissions. This is why VINCI Autoroutes has decided to equip 100% of its highway service areas with electric charging stations. The stations at Val-de-Cher and Bourges-Marmagne contribute to the connectivity of the highway network and will set the groundwork for more drivers to transition to EVs in the years ahead, with a view to significantly reducing these emissions.”

Small but mighty: powerful charging that comes in little packages

Zunder’s main requirement was infrastructure that could recharge an electric vehicle in around 30 minutes, a typical rest stop duration for long-distance drivers using restroom or refreshment services. Kempower’s Power Unit and Satellite configuration proved a high quality option to serve this goal.

The distributed power sharing element of the technology means that the power being delivered by the 600kW Power Unit can be dynamically shifted to the vehicles that need it, offering up to 400kW per plug at any one time. It means that charging time is constantly optimized for each connected vehicle, reducing charging times and keeping queues at an absolute minimum.

But where is all of this power stored?

Zunder was also keen to ensure that the charging infrastructure could be configured in a way that was space efficient, easy to access and user friendly, given the limited available space at the two highway service areas. The EV charging infrastructure needed to be integrated with existing rest stop facilities so the positioning of the equipment during installation needed to be optimal for retaining parking space.

Ignasi said: “Kempower’s Satellites have a very small product footprint while delivering significant charging power. The flexibility of the system also means that the Kempower Power Units can be located up to 80 meters away from the Kempower Satellites, so we keep them in a dedicated technical area away from the charging area, retaining space and preventing noise nuisance for customers. The chargers offer an easy, user-friendly experience for EV drivers and maximize return on investment for us, as we can accommodate many customers in a relatively small space.”

Access to quality charging will drive the e-mobility transition

Zunder takes a customer-centric view, not only when it comes to its own charge point operations, but also when looking more broadly at the electrification of mobility.

Its market research ahead of the French expansion told the team that, excluding price and location, EV drivers prioritize charger availability, reliability, power and ease of use when choosing a charge point. Therefore, it’s no surprise that the decision of which charging provider to work with was such an important one.

Ignasi commented: “We are still in the early stages of the e-mobility adoption curve and the need to develop reliable infrastructure to give future EV drivers the confidence to transition – while also supporting existing EV drivers to have a seamless experience – underpins our mission as a CPO. We have an important part to play in laying the groundwork for mass adoption of EVs and we’re committed to offering only the most efficient equipment on the market as we do this.”He added: “As demand undoubtedly increases in the coming years, we look forward to continuing our collaboration with Kempower and further expanding our offering for EV drivers in France, including expanding these two stations in the future.”

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Kempower powers the leading Finnish beverages manufacturer Hartwall’s sustainable deliveries

Kempower — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 12:11:31 +0000

Back to customer stories 2024-12-13 • 5 min read

Kempower powers the leading Finnish beverages manufacturer Hartwall’s sustainable deliveries

Hartwall is lowering its carbon footprint by adopting electric trucks in its logistics operations in Finland. Its goal of cutting CO₂ emissions by 50% by 2030, is in line with its enduring commitment to environmental sustainability.

This shift, enabled by Kempower’s state-of-the-art charging technology and Virta’s seamless plug-and-pay software, marks an important milestone in reaching these ambitious objectives and highlights the shared dedication of both companies to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

After thoroughly evaluating various DC fast-charging equipment manufacturers, Hartwall selected Kempower’s Satellite charging system for its Brewery in Lahti, Finland. The decision was influenced by Kempower’s advanced technology and the compact size of the charging satellites, which are crucial for installation at loading docks. This careful selection process underscores Hartwall’s commitment to finding the best solutions to support the company’s sustainability goals.

“We considered many different DC fast-charging equipment manufacturers and ultimately chose Kempower’s EV charging solutions. Kempower’s technology allows us to precisely control the charging processes and ensure our electric truck fleet is always ready for use. The ability to use Virta’s software for plug-and-pay functionality, where the truck is recognized and starts charging immediately upon connection, was a significant advantage. This seamless integration is vital for our operations, ensuring efficiency and reliability,” said Tomi Heinäaho, Logistics Manager at Hartwall.

Implementation and early success

The first electric trucks began operating for Hartwall in the cities of Helsinki and Tampere in 2022. At that time, electric trucks were only used for last-mile deliveries. Now, two years later, Hartwall is also delivering the company’s products between the city of Lahti and Helsinki with an electric truck. The truck is charged at Hartwall’s premises in Lahti with the Kempower Satellite DC fast-charging system.

The integration of Kempower’s DC fast-charging solutions has been seamless, with the electric truck recharging fully within an hour during loading times. This efficiency is critical for maintaining the operational schedule and ensuring that deliveries are made on time. The early success of this initiative has provided valuable insights and confidence in expanding the use of electric vehicles within Hartwall’s truck fleet.

“So far, we have had only positive experiences, and everything has worked well. Of course, we have a lot to learn, and we are continuously improving. The planning phase involved extensive dialogue between Kempower and Hartwall, which helped us achieve the best solution for our needs. The Kempower Satellite chargers’ compact size is a significant benefit, allowing us to install them at our loading docks without any space issues. This project has shown us the potential of electric trucks, and we are excited about the future possibilities,” said Atte Pääkkö, Sourcing Manager at Hartwall.

Future plans and sustainability goals

Hartwall’s investment in e-mobility is a substantial part of the company’s sustainability efforts. The company has already seen significant progress in reducing CO₂ emissions, a journey that started over a decade ago. This forward-thinking approach highlights Hartwall’s long-term vision and commitment to making a positive impact on the environment. Hartwall is part of Royal Unibrew group, a globally operating multi-beverage company. Hartwall is acting as the forerunner in electric truck charging in the group.

“The integration of electric trucks to our truck fleet is just one part of our broader strategy to reduce emissions and promote sustainability. We have set ambitious targets, and with partners like Kempower, we are confident in our ability to achieve them,” said Heinäaho.

Collaborative efforts and long-term vision

The planning and installation of the charging infrastructure were carried out in close collaboration with Kempower. This partnership has been instrumental in achieving the best possible solution for Hartwall’s needs. The successful implementation of this project proves the power of collaboration and shared goals.

Hartwall’s journey towards sustainability is a testament to the company’s dedication to environmental responsibility and innovation. With the support of Kempower’s cutting-edge technology, Hartwall is one step closer to achieving its ambitious emission reduction targets and setting a benchmark for sustainable logistics in the industry.

Kempower’s electric truck charging solutions

The modularity and scalability of Kempower’s charging solutions for electric trucks, adapt according to the evolving needs of Hartwall’s logistical operations. The company’s EV charging solutions are ideal for fleet operators, logistic centers, and warehouses, where charging needs to be highly reliable and scalable with the increase of trucks over time.

The dynamic power sharing allows Hartwall to maximize grid utilization, ensuring efficient and reliable charging infrastructure. On the other hand, the small footprint of the Kempower Satellite gives the possibility to place the chargers flexibly even in challenging environments, like space-constrained depots. The intuitive, user-friendly interface of the chargers makes daily charging operations easy for truck drivers to maneuver. Let alone the high reliability, which is critical for high-demand environments like Hartwall’s logistical operations, where transportation needs to follow precise schedules.

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Kempower drives forward the electrification of the NIGGBUS fleet in Austria

Kempower — Fri, 29 Nov 2024 08:37:03 +0000

Back to customer stories 2024-11-29 • 4 min read

Kempower drives forward the electrification of the NIGGBUS fleet in Austria

Ten e-buses save 680 tons of CO₂ per year

The transport company NIGGBUS from the Vorarlberg Rhine Valley, Austria, has taken a decisive step towards emission-free mobility: The fleet has begun its phased transition to fully electric buses, which will serve the greater Feldkirch area. Targeted expansions and the electrification of the company premises will allow NIGGBUS to operate up to ten electric buses by the end of 2025. All 28 of the company’s buses will be replaced by e-buses in phases, with an aim to replace three vehicles per year on average.. The necessary charging infrastructure is supplied by its partner Kempower, one of the leading providers of DC fast-charging technology for electric vehicles.

“We are delighted to be working with NIGGBUS and vlotte vkw to drive forward the electrification of local public transport in Vorarlberg and thus make a significant contribution to reducing CO₂ emissions in the region. Our fast-charging solutions are designed to ensure the availability of the e-bus fleet at all times and to meet the demanding requirements of daily operations. With this installation, we are sending a strong signal for the future of emission-free transportation,” explains Philipp Oppolzer, Regional Business Development Director Central Europe at Kempower.

The first electric bus has been in service since September of this year and saves around 68 tons of CO₂ per year alone. A further four e-buses will follow in November 2024. Depending on the charge level, an e-bus can fully recharge within three hours at the most.

NIGGBUS Managing Director Gerhard Pertoll explains:

The integration of Kempower technology enables us to precisely control the charging processes and ensure that our fleet is always ready for use. With a range of 300 kilometers per charge, the new e-buses are ideal for urban and regional transport. Every new investment we make reinforces our commitment to environmentally friendly, sustainable local transport.”

Sustainable investment in e-mobility and infrastructure

A total of €7.5 million is being invested in the transition to e-mobility by NIGGBUS. In addition to the purchase of the buses, the company premises were expanded by 3,000 square meters and equipped with the necessary charging infrastructure. The e-buses, which are optimized for urban and intercity transport, not only offer environmentally friendly and quiet operation, but also a high level of comfort for the approximately nine million passengers a year that travel with NIGGBUS. Each of the twelve-metre-long buses is designed for a service life of 800,000 kilometers and, after its time on the road, is used in its second life, for example as a stationary battery storage unit or as a valuable source of raw materials for recycling.

The planning and installation was carried out by Kempower’s project planning and distribution partner vlotte vkw GmbH, a subsidiary of illwerke vkw. “We are delighted to be part of this pioneering project. It impressively demonstrates that e-mobility also has a clear future for heavy commercial vehicles,” emphasizes Philipp Oesterle, Managing Director at vlotte vkw.

Intelligent charging infrastructure for an emission-free fleet

“Electrifying our fleet is just the beginning,” emphasizes Pertoll. “Our goal is to anchor sustainable public transport at all levels and actively contribute to environmental protection. With Kempower, we are already taking a decisive step towards achieving our sustainability goals. What we particularly appreciate about Kempower’s technology is the user-friendly and elegant design as well as the informative display with QR code for monitoring charging. The system runs smoothly and without any faults.”

The installation of ten charging points – Kempower Satellites each delivering 160 kW of power – ensures the depot is equipped of the new e-fleet. There is also a dedicated transformer that generates the required voltage of 800 volts from the medium voltage of around 22,000 volts (alternating current) and two Kempower Power Units with a total output of 800 kW. These serve as rectifiers and convert the alternating current into direct current in order to make it usable for the battery.

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Proviridis pioneers underground truck charging infrastructure using Kempower solution

Kempower — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 13:14:07 +0000

Back to customer stories 2024-11-18 • 5 min read

Proviridis pioneers underground truck charging infrastructure using Kempower solution

ROUSSET, France – A new innovation in the installation of truck charging which will support electrification of the logistics industry has been developed by French clean energy infrastructure specialist Proviridis.

Proviridis, a Kempower business partner in France, has designed a unique underground solution to the configuration of Finnish DC fast-charging manufacturer Kempower’s equipment which eliminates the need to reserve on-ground space for charging hardware. This allows existing parking space at depots to be retained, resolving a key issue faced by fleet and truck charging operators electrifying their sites. The innovation was developed during an installation project at Proviridis’ multi-energy truck station in Saint Quentin Fallavier.

With space being a key challenge for the logistics market, Proviridis trialed an underground setup of Kempower’s Control Unit solution, which is connected to and receives its power from a nearby 600kW Power Unit installed above ground. The successful trial is the first example of an underground solution being used to overcome the obstacle of space limitation at truck charging locations, and offers a cheaper alternative to procuring and installing the overhead gantry solution currently used at many logistics depots.

The underground positioning of the hardware offers the additional advantage of protection from damage, and the distributed design of the charging infrastructure allows the dynamic allocation of available power from the Power Unit to up to 8 chargers. The technology is compatible with both the overground Kempower Satellite Charger and the dock-based Control Unit, meaning the charger configuration can be designed flexibly to suit the varying layouts and specific needs of different sites. Bespoke configurations are already being developed for early-adopting clients based on the pilot implementation of the solution.

The Kempower Control Unit is durable across a wide spectrum of temperatures and conditions, requires minimal ventilation, and can cater for a wide range of customer needs. These are features which perfectly place the Kempower solution for this type of charging configuration in a logistics environment.

The adaptability of the infrastructure means that it could also become a solution for e-bus depots, which have the same space constraints to consider when installing charging solutions.

While traditional charging equipment can cause up to 20% of existing truck parking capacity to be lost, Kempower has already gained recognition for the efficient size footprint of its overground Satellites. The newly patented solution by Proviridis for installing Kempower’s Control Unit has the potential to even further increase return on investment and consistency of profitability forecasts by ensuring vehicles don’t need to be sacrificed due to a lack of space.

The innovation is currently being piloted at Proviridis’ Saint Quentin Fallavier V-GAS station, which specializes in low-carbon transport fuels including BioNGV and hydrogen alongside EV charging. During the next phase of plans, Proviridis will roll out the solution across France, exclusively using Kempower’s fast-charging equipment.

Cédric Moret, Kempower’s Head of Sales for the French market, said: “Many fleet operators are committed to more sustainable operations, but they require solutions that maintain the capacity and normal functioning of their locations in order to protect their business. It has unfortunately become commonplace for some loss of parking space to become normalized when installing charging infrastructure, which is why we are so excited by the new possibilities created with Proviridis’ underground solution.”

Olivier Verdu, Technical Director at Proviridis, added:

We have a long history of investing in innovations like integrating battery storage vehicle charging at our multi-energy stations and are proud to have pioneered this new solution using Kempower technology. Robustness and flexibility are two essential elements for trucking equipment and the Kempower Control Unit proved to be uniquely positioned to withstand the necessary conditions for the underground solution to work. The product is durable across a wide spectrum of temperatures and conditions, requires minimal ventilation, and can cater for a wide range of customer needs. These are features which perfectly place the Kempower solution for this type of charging configuration in a logistics environment.

Kempower in brief

We design and manufacture reliable and user-friendly DC fast-charging solutions for electric vehicles. Our vision is to create the world’s most desired EV charging solutions for everyone, everywhere. Our product development and production are based in Finland and in the U.S. with the majority of our materials and components sourced locally. We focus on all areas of e-mobility, from electric cars, trucks, and buses to machines and marine. Our modular and scalable charging system and world-class software are designed by EV drivers for EV drivers, enabling the best user experience for our customers around the world. Kempower is listed on the Main Market of Nasdaq Helsinki. www.kempower.com

Kempower media:  

Paula Savonen, VP, Communications, Kempower  

paula.savonen@kempower.com    

Proviridis in brief

Created in 2012, PROVIRIDIS, a French medium enterprise, is exclusively involved in decarbonization infrastructures for heavy-duty transport. The company was the first to

develop and operate multi-energy stations, providing BioGNV and DC chargers to its clients. For the last few years, the focus of the company has been dedicated to fast-charging public and private infrastructures for freight transport, with stations located on various sites (Z-E-N public stations, clients depots).

Proviridis is truly convinced and determined to act for the full transition to ZE-MHDVs, having active relationships with the whole ecosystem (professional federations, manufactures, public authorities…) and being recognized by its clients. Finally, to strengthen its attraction, the company is now licensed to supply electricity in France, through the ENRV brand: along with implementing DC chargers, the company is now able to give its clients direct access to the energy market, allowing them to optimize their energy purchasing strategy and exploit the potential of their charging stations and associated data. www.proviridis.fr

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How Kempower helped to build the largest charging hub in the Baltics at SC Akropolis Kaunas shopping mall

Kempower — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 13:56:54 +0000

Back to customer stories 2024-11-04 • 5 min read

How Kempower helped to build the largest charging hub in the Baltics at SC Akropolis Kaunas shopping mall

In Spring 2024 Eleport opened the biggest charging hub in the Baltics at the SC Akropolis shopping mall in Kaunas, Lithuania. The new site, which features 12 Kempower Double Satellites, is a flagship project for Lithuania, demonstrating the benefits of retail charging.

Over the past two years, the number of EVs on Lithuanian roads has increased by 50 percent, yet its charging infrastructure lags behind other European countries, ranking third-last in the EU league tables when it comes to charging point to EV ratio. To boost e-mobility in Lithuania, the country needs more widespread EV charging infrastructure, which is what Newsec, the property manager of SC Akropolis Kaunas, aims to achieve with its plans for retail charging at the shopping mall.

Putting EV driver needs at the forefront

Up to 24 EVs can be charged at any one time via DC fast charging at the SC Akropolis Kaunas shopping mall using one of the 12 Kempower Double Satellites, which can be found at one of three charging locations since the launch of the first phase of the project in May 2024. Each 400kW Kempower Double Satellite offers two outputs and distributes power dynamically, optimizing charging speed, reducing queuing times and maximizing the availability of chargers for EV drivers.

Furthermore, each charger comes with an intuitive user design to guide EV drivers, including a QR code functionality that allows drivers to see the charging status on their phone while they explore the 220 shops, cafés, restaurants, services and entertainment venues at the site at their leisure while their vehicle charges.

“We have already driven the growth of retail charging in Northern Europe, so we are pleased to contribute to this drive in the Baltics too. We know from our experience in retail charging projects in the Nordics and UK that for retail charging to become the norm, the charging experience should be as easy, smooth and intuitive as possible. Charging an EV should be a relaxing experience – from arriving at the charging point to driving away. We combine our high reliability standards and intuitive user design to ensure an excellent user experience for all EV drivers who use Kempower chargers,” explained Erik Kanerva, Director of Sales North Europe at Kempower.

When designing an EV charging site, you have to adapt the charging experience to the location,” added Kazys Pupinis, Eleport Lithuania Country Manager. “This is not a highway, where drivers only want to spend 15 minutes charging, nor is it a home or office charging scenario where EVs can charge for six to eight hours. We had to find the middle ground. That’s why we divided the charging hub into three locations, with each location offering 400kW via four Kempower Double Satellites, meaning eight cars can charge at any one time.”

In addition to slashing emissions in line with Lithuania’s target to reduce emissions by 21% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels, SC Akropolis Kaunas charging site also lowers local pollution. By encouraging the use of EVs, it will also help reduce noise pollution in the area, contributing to a pleasant shopping experience for local shoppers.

Sustainable benefits of EV charging availability on a local and national scale

Additionally, as SC Akropolis has a big presence in the city of Kaunas, the new largest charging hub in the Baltics will act as an example of how to install charging infrastructure at existing retail sites, and will serve as a model for future retail charging sites across Lithuania, the Baltics and worldwide as other shopping malls compete to offer extra facilities like EV charging at their sites.

60% of visitors to SC Akropolis Kaunas arrive by car, so as the number of electric cars in the city increases, we have seen strong demand for more charging stations at the site. Being an attraction in a very convenient central location, close to one of the main transport arteries of the city, SC Akropolis is the ideal place for this ambitious project. Moreover, by installing the largest electric car charging park in the Baltics, we have not only met the needs of today’s visitors, but we are also setting a new standard for the future,” explained Brigita Kuodytė, Manager of SC Akropolis Kaunas.

“The collaboration between all partners involved was important to the success of this project,” added Martins Stirans, Business Development Manager for Baltics. “Our Kempower team has already worked with Eleport as part of a project to boost Estonia’s EV charging infrastructure by installing charging stations in 25 locations across the country. Newsec, the property manager of SC Akropolis Kaunas, factored in this legacy of success in the Baltics when partnering with Eleport. Our strong relationship and shared vision of boosting Baltics infrastructure made this project succeed.”

A future-proof charging site for an electrified future

While 24 DC fast charging outputs easily serve the current flow of EVs passing through the site, as EV ownership grows in Lithuania an increasing number of EV customers are expected to visit SC Akropolis Kaunas in the future. Eleport has therefore already planned to install more DC charging stations within the next decade, bringing the total investment in the project to nearly 1 million euros.

The scalability of the site is made possible due to the compact size of the Kempower Satellite chargers, which boast one of the smallest footprints on the market. They can be placed up to 80 meters away from the Kempower Power Unit, giving design flexibility. Finally, Kempower chargers are all modularly scalable, meaning that chargers can be added or upgraded without disruption.

“The most important elements for an EV driver at a charging point are convenience, reliability, and as seamless an experience as possible. This is what we wanted to show to the EV community, and I believe this is what we’ve achieved with Kempower,” summarized Kazys Pupinis, Eleport Lithuania Country Manager.

The Largest Charging Hub in the Baltics

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How UK supermarket chain Sainsbury’s built its successful EV charging business with Kempower’s state-of-the-art charging solutions

Kempower — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 07:38:13 +0000

Back to customer stories 2024-10-22 • 12 min read

How UK supermarket chain Sainsbury’s built its successful EV charging business with Kempower’s state-of-the-art charging solutions

In January 2024, Kempower helped major UK retailer Sainsbury’s launch its EV charging business, Smart Charge, by providing the charging infrastructure. Smart Charge is the first and only EV charging business to be fully owned and managed end-to-end by a UK supermarket.

In less than a year Smart Charge has opened over 55 hubs, providing more than 450 bays, making it one of the UK’s top five providers of ultra-rapid EV charging.

The UK is facing a critical challenge in reducing emissions from transportation, a sector responsible for 26% of the country’s total emissions, according to a 2023 Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) report. Passenger cars are a major contributor within this sector, and the large-scale adoption of electric vehicles is seen as a key solution. However, according to research commissioned by Sainsbury’s among UK EV drivers, a lack of readily available and reliable charging infrastructure remains a significant frustration. Retail charging stations, conveniently located at supermarkets and shopping centres, can play a vital role in addressing this gap and accelerating the transition towards a more sustainable transportation future.

“Retail EV charging not only enhances the customer experience for Sainsbury’s shoppers but also contributes significantly to the UK’s transition towards a more sustainable transportation future. Sainsbury’s commitment to Smart Charge exemplifies the growing role retailers can play in accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles.” Rolle Nieminen, Kempower’s Head of Sales for the UK and Ireland.

When Sainsbury’s recognized the need to address key concerns among EV drivers, particularly regarding charging speed and reliability, it recruited Kempower to provide the solution.

Flexible EV charging infrastructure supported by data insights

Each site utilizes Kempower’s Power Unit and Kempower Satellite combination, which distributes power dynamically between a large number of connectors based on the vehicle requirements. The setups vary but dynamic charging is typically offered from four to eighteen parking bays depending on the site.

The Kempower Satellite charging system offers design flexibility, with the ability to place Kempower Power Units, the main source of power for Kempower Satellite chargers and the bulkiest part of the charging system, up to 80 meters away. Furthermore, the Kempower Satellites’ sleek design, having one of the smallest charger footprints on the market, make it easy for Sainsbury’s to work around space restrictions in its car parks and outside its supermarkets.

For instance, at the Sainsbury’s Fulham Wharf supermarket in London, the retailer installed a triple cabinet Kempower Power Unit in the underground car park of the supermarket. This unit provides 600 kW of power to eight Kempower Satellites, without taking up any space that could otherwise be used for parking.

Furthermore, Kempower ensures reliability through its modular design and use of Kempower ChargEye, its cloud-based charging management system. These features ensure that should a module fail, the rest of the system continues to operate effectively, resulting in an overall uptime of above 99% across Kempower chargers at Sainsbury’s Smart Charge sites as of September 2024.

Kempower ChargEye’s backend system also gives visibility to Sainsbury’s about the use of the chargers at the different supermarket locations across the country. The software not only gives valuable insights about its current charging performance, but supports decision-making regarding future charging investments. The backend system shows charging performance at a station and charging connector level, and provides Sainsbury’s with useful dashboards, indicating for instance the current use levels and peak times at different charging stations.

Top-tier EV charging user-experience for Sainsbury’s customers

By offering the Kempower Satellite charging system, Sainsbury’s can currently offer up to 300 kW of charging power for its customers driving electric vehicles, enabling a full charge in as little as 30 minutes and offering drivers enough power to travel up to 200 miles. Customers can easily scan the QR-code from the Kempower touchscreen to follow the charging status while shopping. At the end of their charging session, a receipt is available for download and customers are given the option to add Nectar points as part of Sainsbury’s loyalty scheme.

Accessibility was paramount for Sainsbury’s. Kempower’s innovative design ensures Smart Charge stations cater to a diverse range of users, including vans and commercial vehicles, wheelchair users, families with children and shoppers with bulky groceries. Smart Charge offers spacious, accessible bays open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Additionally, Kempower’s dynamic power management system allows for a flexible charging experience. By distributing charge based on need, dynamic power management enables customers who need a quick top-up to use a charger without impacting those who wish to charge for a longer duration while they shop at Sainsbury’s. This flexibility optimises station utilisation and enhances the overall customer experience.

“With our new network of easy-to-use and reliable charging points conveniently located in our supermarkets, Smart Charge will make a real difference to EV drivers in the UK. As one of the few providers to be focusing exclusively on cutting-edge ultra-rapid 150kW+ chargers, customers can be in and out in as little as half an hour and avoid waiting longer with less powerful alternatives. What’s more, they can even grab a coffee or pick up some groceries while they’re there.” Patrick Dunne, Sainsbury’s Group Director of Property, Procurement & EV Ventures.

Integrating the retail charging and shopping experience

In June 2024, Sainsbury’s rolled out its Nectar loyalty program to Smart Charge, making it the first EV charging service in the UK to offer a national loyalty scheme. The program enables customers to collect Nectar points for every pound spent, which can be spent with any of Nectar’s partners including Sainsbury’s and British Airways, helping to integrate the retail charging and shopping experience further and incentivizing Sainsbury’s customers to charge while they shop. The Nectar program also gives operators access to more data about their customers, which they can use to better cater to and improve the EV charging experience.

Scalable EV charging infrastructure powering future growth

With ambitious plans to expand Smart Charge, Sainsbury’s required a future-proof solution. Kempower’s modular and scalable design delivers on this need. Several existing locations have been pre-equipped for seamless expansion, allowing for the addition of Kempower Satellites as demand grows. This eliminates the need for complex, time-consuming infrastructure upgrades, enabling Sainsbury’s to efficiently scale their EV charging network and meet the evolving needs of their customers.

Retailers becoming key players in EV infrastructure

The launch of Smart Charge represents another step in Sainsbury’s ambitious commitment to achieving net zero across its value chain by 2050. Patrick Dunne, Sainsbury’s Group Director of Property, Procurement & EV Ventures, explains: “Our new charging points are powered by the same 100% renewable electricity that powers the rest of our estate*.”

Conveniently located charging stations at supermarkets and retail locations address a critical gap in the EV charging ecosystem, removing a barrier to entry for potential EV drivers.

On the occasion of the launch of Sainsbury’s Smart Charge, Anthony Browne, Minister for Technology and Decarbonisation for the UK, said: “Businesses play a crucial role in the delivery of EV infrastructure, so it’s great to see Sainsbury’s embracing ultra-rapid technology which will benefit supermarket customers.”

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Clean streets: Hamburg’s city cleaning service goes electric

Kempower — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 08:34:31 +0000

Back to customer stories 2024-10-16 • 3 min read

Clean streets: Hamburg’s city cleaning service goes electric

Stadtreinigung Hamburg (SRH) has a clear mission: Hamburg should be clean. Complete climate neutrality from 2035 is one of SRH’s most important goals. Electrification of the fleet is an important element in ridding the Hanseatic city not only of waste, but also of emissions. From 2025, most newly purchased vehicles are to be equipped with alternative drive technologies.

The company is already well advanced with the conversion of drive systems for cars and vans. The next step will now be to electrify the commercial vehicle fleet. Thanks to major advances made by vehicle manufacturers, electrically powered roll-off tippers are now being used, for example.

Our goal is to convert the entire vehicle fleet to emission-free drive technologies,’ emphasises Thomas Maas, responsible for SRH’s own vehicle fleet. ‘Our recent experiences have been positive. We are optimistically working on any remaining challenges, because electrification is the right path to take.”

Efficient charging infrastructure as the key to success

However, the introduction of electric vehicles requires not only the purchase of the vehicles, but also an intelligent charging infrastructure. SRH has implemented a customised solution to ensure the operation of the fleet: 16 charging points, i.e. eight double-arm Kempower Satellites, supply 160kW per arm to charge the fleet more efficiently.

For the newly acquired hooklifts, this means that they are fully charged within 1 to 2 hours, depending on the state of charge (SoC). This allows the vehicles to be used in the best possible way and avoids long downtimes.

The cloud-based charging management system Kempower ChargEye is also used. This system enables SRH to monitor the charging status in real time and dynamically adjust the power distribution. This ensures that the vehicles are optimally charged.

‘The charging infrastructure is an integral part of our electrification strategy,’ explains Thomas Maas. ‘By integrating Kempower technology, we can precisely control the charging processes and ensure that our fleet is always ready for use.’

Strategic decision in favour of sustainability

The choice of Kempower as a technology partner was a conscious one. Stadtreinigung Hamburg was looking for a provider that understood both the technical requirements and the company’s sustainability goals. Kempower, known for its modular and flexible charging solutions, proved to be the ideal partner to support the transition to an electric fleet.

The planning and implementation was carried out by Kempower’s project planning and distribution partner GP JOULE CONNECT. We are proud to be part of this pioneering project, as it impressively demonstrates that e-mobility is undoubtedly the future for heavy commercial vehicles too,’ says Manuel Reich, Managing Director of GP JOULE CONNECT.

Kempower’s charging infrastructure fits seamlessly into the existing operational processes of Hamburg’s municipal waste disposal service. The modular charging system is particularly efficient in a densely populated metropolitan region like Hamburg, where space and electricity capacities are limited. The dynamic power distribution ensures that the vehicles are charged at the optimum times without any bottlenecks occurring.

‘With the innovative charging infrastructure, we are not only equipped for today’s requirements, but also for the future positioning of the fleet,’ adds Thomas Maas. In this way, SRH is ensuring that Hamburg is clean – starting with its own fleet.

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Kempower solutions underpin Powerdot’s network for destination charging in six European countries

Kempower — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 08:02:36 +0000

Back to customer stories 2024-10-15 • 6 min read

Kempower solutions underpin Powerdot’s network for destination charging in six European countries

Powerdot is a Portuguese charge point operator (CPO) experiencing booming growth throughout Europe. Founded in 2018, the company now operates in Portugal, France, Spain, Belgium, Luxembourg and Poland. More than 1,200 of Powerdot’s fast-charging stations are equipped with Kempower’s charging solutions.

Contributing to the EU’s goals for zero-emissions transportation, Powerdot offers a turnkey solution to its partners (retailers, restaurant chains and real estate and asset management players) by investing 100% of the costs of installation and maintenance and works closely with Kempower as a technology partner to offer fast-charging infrastructure, besides municipalities and the private sector.

Reliability and accessibility – can EV charging be as easy as charging your phone?

Specializing in opportunity and destination charging, Powerdot aims to make charging EVs as easy as charging a phone.

An often-cited pain point for EV drivers is the additional planning or detours they must take to find suitable chargers. Powerdot provides a convenient solution by installing charging points in places where users go daily like supermarkets, restaurants, and shopping centers.

Space is often at a premium in such commercial locations. Powerdot’s team takes advantage of the small and flexible footprint Kempower’s distributed EV charging system offers. Featuring separate Kempower Power Units and multiple distributed Kempower Satellites located up to 80 meters away, Kempower offers utter flexibility which is key to successfully installing EV charging infrastructure in commercial and retail spaces.

Powerdot has also partnered with Kempower because of the reliability of its chargers – a key prerequisite to ensure satisfied EV drivers and customers.

“The Kempower charging solutions perfectly fit Powerdot’s destination charging principles. They adhere to the highest standards of quality and reliability.” explains João Seabra, Chief Running Operations Officer at Powerdot, “Plus, the small footprint of the Kempower Satellites and the modular power setup is ideal for our partners’ needs. These not only complement their retail experiences but expand them, bringing value to all EV users.”

Last but not least, destination charging requires fast-charging solutions where drivers get to charge their cars while running an errand, doing the shopping, or enjoying a cup of coffee. Drivers can charge their EVs in around 40’ on average, replenishing their battery from around 40% to 80% using as an average 60kW out of the total power available per charger.

Destination charging as a catalyst of the transition to e-mobility

Powerdot’s mission aligns with cities’ and municipalities’ objectives to reduce local air pollution, to move towards zero-emission mobility and to provide clean public and private transportation infrastructure.

On the other hand, retailers benefit from the revenue share of the charging sessions at 0 cost, offering their customers new services and strengthening their position as a go-to destination thanks to this differentiation point. Moreover, offering EV charging facilities underlines companies’ commitment to sustainability and innovation.

In France, a good example of that is Powerdot’s charging station located in the parking lot of the E.Leclerc Perpignan Sud store. This site is equipped with 8 double Kempower Satellites and 2 compacted Station Chargers with 3 different outputs (CHAdeMO + CCS + AC) for a total of 20 fast and ultra-fast charging points. This location allows customers to recharge their vehicles while doing their shopping at the nearby Leclerc store.

On the other hand, one of the first installations in 2024 features new ultra-fast and semi-fast charging points in the Terrassa Plaça business park in Terrassa, Barcelona, Spain. This latest site is the biggest in terms of charging points in Cataluña, taking Powerdot’s network in this Spanish region to 79 active charging points.

Explore Kempower’s solutions for retail and public charging

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Electrification of public bus transport in Königsbrunn with the AVV

Kempower — Mon, 12 Aug 2024 13:06:04 +0000

Back to customer stories 2024-08-12 • 3 min read

Electrification of public bus transport in Königsbrunn with the AVV

The Augsburg Transport and Tariff Association (AVV) has taken a significant step towards a sustainable and low-emission future with the electrification of city bus transport in Königsbrunn. As part of this project, modern, 12-meter-long Ebusco 2.2 electric buses are gradually replacing the previous diesel vehicles. The successful implementation of this project was made possible by forward-looking planning and the partnership with Kempower, a leading provider of charging infrastructure solutions.

The project in Königsbrunn builds on a successful pilot project in the Augsburg district, which was already implemented in 2020. This not only demonstrated the performance of electric buses, but also demonstrated the significant advantages in terms of noise and CO2 reduction as well as improved comfort for passengers and driving staff.

The pilot project not only demonstrated the performance of the eBuses, but also showed that they significantly reduce noise and CO2 emissions and increase comfort for both passengers and driving staff.”

emphasizes Dr. Linda Kisabaka, managing director of the AVV. This positive balance and the experiences from the pilot project formed the basis for the decision to convert the bus fleet in Königsbrunn to electric operation.

Intelligent technology and early planning as success factors

The electrification of buses places high demands on the charging infrastructure. This not only has to be reliable and efficient, but also flexible enough to meet the different charging requirements of the buses. What was crucial for the successful implementation of the project was that the charging infrastructure was planned into the existing depot in Bobingen at an early stage.

It was essential for the operators that the existing bus depot could be used optimally and adapted at the lowest possible cost. This is also why the AVV chose Kempower’s charging solutions. Six Kempower Satellites are used at the Bobingen location, offering flexible charging power of 150 to 600 kW.

By using Kempower’s ChargEye technology, the buses can be optimally charged. The cloud-based charging management system monitors the charging processes and enables dynamic power distribution so that the buses’ idle times can be optimally used.

Philipp Oppolzer, Business Development Director in Central Europe, Kempower, explains: “In order to electrify bus fleets cost-effectively, it is also important to correctly dimension the appropriate charging infrastructure. Not every bus needs its own charging station. Rather, it is important to analyze the entire energy requirement and the downtimes of the vehicles in order to design a charging solution that is optimized for operation.”

He continues: “Traditional charging systems require that each station be designed for maximum charging power. However, with Kempower’s intelligent dynamic power allocation to multiple charging points, fewer power modules are used overall for the same charging requirement. A dynamic, optimized store has a significant impact on the investments to be made and the running costs.”

Low-emission transport in Königsbrunn

With an annual mileage of 580,000 scheduled kilometers, the electric buses in Königsbrunn will save around 224 tons of CO2 annually, based on the current energy mix. If you switch to green electricity, these savings could even increase to 551 tons of CO2.

The successful electrification of city bus transport in Königsbrunn shows how the switch to electric mobility in local public transport can be implemented efficiently and effectively through careful planning and the use of modern, intelligent charging infrastructure. This project not only serves as a model for similar projects in other cities, but Königsbrunn also makes a significant contribution to reducing CO2 emissions and promoting sustainable mobility.

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Käppeli Logistik AG: A Swiss pioneer of electromobility for heavy commercial vehicles plans with Kempower

Kempower — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 11:50:20 +0000

Back to customer stories 2024-07-17 • 3 min read

Käppeli Logistik AG: A Swiss pioneer of electromobility for heavy commercial vehicles plans with Kempower

The electrification of heavy commercial vehicles and their use in everyday needs are an important step towards sustainability. However, an equally important aspect is the provision of the necessary charging infrastructure. Käppeli Logistik AG, in collaboration with Scania Schweiz AG and Kempower, developed an innovative solution and put it into operation within just a few months.

Mike Ritter, managing director of Käppeli Logistik AG in Sargans, recognized early on the importance of electromobility for heavy commercial vehicles. From 2021 onwards, every time a new vehicle was purchased, the options for electric drives were examined and test vehicles were used intensively in order to gain practical experience. Based on this experience, the first Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) were ordered for the fleet and put into operation. A conscious decision was made to use smaller battery capacities in order to ensure sustainability and to test the application limits in regional tipper semi-trailer traffic.

In order to optimally design the use of the first BEV commercial vehicles, Käppeli installed a temporary e-charging infrastructure on the company premises, including its own transformer. As the operating range of the vehicles increased, it became clear that the greatest challenge was not the availability of the electric trucks, but rather the continuous supply of sufficient energy.

Mike Ritter saw this challenge as an opportunity and decided to implement the first public e-truck charging infrastructure in Switzerland. That’s why Käppeli proactively held discussions with BEV vehicle providers and found a committed partner in Scania Schweiz AG. Plans for our own e-truck charging infrastructure were developed together.

In order to benefit from existing experience, the Käppeli Logistik AG team traveled to Södertälje, Sweden, to visit the Scania factory, carry out test drives with a pre-series Scania BEV and visit an e-charging park that has already been implemented. These findings were incorporated into the planning of our own e-truck charging park.

With a total of nine charging points, vehicles can be charged with up to 400kW at each Kempower Satellite. Overall, an impressive total output of up to 2.5 MW is available, which is fed, among other things, by the in-house photovoltaic system. This can be used to charge heavy commercial vehicles in particular, but also delivery vans and cars. Mike Ritter emphasizes:

Kempower’s products fit very well with our understanding of sustainable mobility. We were looking for solutions that enable fast and intelligent charging. Today we can say: we made the right investment.”

Käppeli Logistik AG impressively shows how the challenges of electromobility can be mastered through decisive action and close cooperation with technology partners. By developing its own e-truck charging infrastructure, the company is setting new standards and setting an example for other companies striving for a sustainable future.

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Innovative charging infrastructure for electric trucks at a major environmental services provider in Hamburg

Kempower — Mon, 27 May 2024 06:45:43 +0000

Back to customer stories 2024-05-27 • 3 min read

Innovative charging infrastructure for electric trucks at a major environmental services provider

The electrification of trucks is also an important contribution to achieving climate targets. The Buhck Group from Reinbek near Hamburg, a leading environmental services provider in northern Germany, has also recognized this. In order to reduce CO2 emissions, the company has purchased a total of twelve electric trucks to collect and transport waste.

Dr. Henner Buhck, Managing Partner of the Buhck Group, underlines this commitment: “It is our firm goal to convert the Buhck Group’s entire fleet of trucks to climate-neutral drive technology. Our experience with electric trucks so far has been absolutely positive.”

Electric trucks and charging infrastructure go hand in hand

But purchasing the trucks is only the first step. In order to operate the fleet, the appropriate charging infrastructure is required that is tailored to the needs of the Buhck Group. Kempower delivered and installed a total of 16 Kempower Satellites, each providing a charging capacity of up to 200 kW.

The Buhck Group also uses Kempower’s ChargEye technology. This cloud-based charging management system makes it possible to monitor and monitor the charging processes of electric trucks. The software also enables dynamic power distribution so that the trucks can be optimally loaded.

This approach is user-friendly and optimizes the efficiency of the loading processes. Markus Horstkötter, Managing Director of Buhck waste processing and recycling GmbH & Co KG, emphasizes: “We firmly believe that each of us can make a contribution to reducing CO2 emissions. For us, purchasing the electric trucks was a clear case. This brings us a lot closer to our goal of becoming climate neutral by 2030.”

An easy decision

The decision in favor of the Kempower charging infrastructure was an easy one. Like the Buhck Group, Kempower is a long-term oriented company with a clear commitment to sustainability.

Markus Horstkötter explains: “Our fleets have easy-to-plan routes and stop times at night, so they are ideal for electrification. We were looking for a technology partner who could provide reliable charging infrastructure on our premises. Kempower has impressive references – the collaboration was uncomplicated and trusting.”

Kempower’s charging solutions enabled the Buhck Group to easily switch to an electric fleet. The new vehicles fit seamlessly into the existing operational processes. The limited space in a metropolitan region and the use of the existing power connection were particularly challenging in the collaboration. However, Kempower’s products are ideal for these situations thanks to their modularity and dynamic energy management.

This is evident in everyday life: Kempower’s charging infrastructure has been seamlessly integrated into work processes from the start and the charging systems are user-friendly for drivers.

Dr. Henner Buhck adds: “Coupled with this innovative charging technology that has now been put into operation, we are best equipped for the deployment and use of electric trucks today and in the future.”

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The largest public electrification project for EV cars in Spain uses Kempower chargers

Kempower — Tue, 14 May 2024 09:00:32 +0000

Back to customer stories 2024-05-14 • 5 min read

The largest public electrification project for EV cars in Spain uses Kempower chargers

In September 2023, one of leading South European charging infrastructure operators Zunder inaugurated Spain’s largest electrification project for public charging of EV cars in the city of Vitoria-Gasteiz, in Basque country. Using Kempower technology, the project marks a milestone for the city, which has been a European Green Capital since 2012 and is also part of the EU’s Horizon Europe mission to decarbonize 100 cities by 2030.

In Vitoria Zunder is currently operating 84 charging points, distributed among 21 charging stations all equipped with Kempower Satellites and Kempower Power Units.

This huge project acknowledges that to build a fairer, more sustainable society, and to achieve such challenging goals, Vitoria must electrify both its private and public transport system and provide its citizens with accessible and reliable EV charging infrastructure.

Flexibility and optimized load management for public EV charging infrastructure

This is a very important project for Zunder. A decisive factor in the Spanish CPO’s decision to rely on Kempower’s solutions for this important project was the modularity and flexibility the Finnish company’s chargers offer.

Kempower’s solutions enable Zunder to charge the EV cars using the optimal range power for this project, from 25 to 180 kW. The Kempower Power Unit allocates the available power from the grid and distributes it efficiently among the cars charging on site. Zunder can thus optimize the power delivered to each vehicle at any given moment according to its need. This dynamic distribution of power results in major efficiency, therefore lower costs and ultimately in more profitability.

For this project, Zunder has sought a flexible solution based on the user’s needs and that additionally the service works efficiently and twenty-four by seven.

An intuitive and enjoyable user-experience is key to public charging infrastructure

To boost the transition to electric cars it is key that the charging experience is easy and intuitive. “The main challenge facing electric mobility is a lack of knowledge and misinformation. Drivers need correct information on the charging process. They need to know that it’s quite simple”, says Mr. Pérez, CEO of Zunder.

“Kempower’s chargers are very user friendly, not complex at all: you press a button on the touchscreen, plug the connector into the car and the charging process starts by itself.” explains Daniel Pérez. To make it even easier for users, Kempower’s spring-assisted cable support system means drivers feel less weight when lifting the cable to connect it to their car.

Overall, it was important to Zunder to provide drivers with a pleasant charging experience. As Kempower Satellites can be installed far from the power module or Kempower Power Unit, drivers don’t experience any noise while charging. “Kempower’s charging experience is fantastic, as it gives drivers a moment of peace. One of the things people appreciate about EVs is the silence that they experience when driving electric cars versus combustion ones. It’s very important to me that the charging environment continues that experience,” explains Daniel Pérez, the CEO of Zunder.

To further enhance the positive user experience, Zunder offers drivers Zunder’s mobile app and total volume payment, and integrates technologies such as Apple Watch and Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

The economic impact of providing a city with public charging infrastructure

Zunder understands that one of the challenges for European cities like Vitoria is to make the transition of its citizens to e-mobility as fast as possible. That’s why the charging stations are strategically located in the parking spaces of shopping centers, on central squares and key thoroughfares to provide maximum accessibility and convenience to EV drivers. In such urban environments, where space is very limited and valuable, it also helps that Kempower’s charging solutions have a small footprint. “This allowed us to install the chargers using the narrow space available in the most efficient way”, added Mr. Pérez.

Having implemented similar, yet smaller, projects in other Spanish cities, Zunder knows that providing EV charging infrastructure positively impacts local EV sales leading to a growth rate substantially higher than the national average. Mr. Pérez therefore expects to see significant growth in EV adoption in the mid-term in Vitoria, too.

“We are aware that the adoption of EVs not only helps protect the environment, but it’s also an opportunity for economic development.” reinforces Vitoria’s Vice Mayor Beatriz Artolazabal. “We want to guarantee to people, who eventually take the decision to buy an EV, that they will have the opportunity to easily and comfortably charge their car.”, adds Artolazabal.

Beside deploying a capillary charging infrastructure, the City Council and Zunder want to equip charging stations with high and reliable power to make the charging sessions fast, and thus allow a frequent rotation of vehicles.

By 2025, Zunder wants to operate more than 4,000 charging points and manage 40,000 through its platform. Its expansion plans include the opening of its first ultra-fast charging station in France, to be followed by Portugal and Italy.

Vitoria-Gasteiz is the capital city of the Basque Country in northern Spain. The municipality is the largest in the Basque Country, with a population of around 250.000.

Vitoria is a dynamic city consistently ranked highly in quality of life and business opportunities and as one of the 5 best places to live in Spain.

It was the first Spanish municipality to be awarded the title of European Green Capital back in 2012 and has been also recognized by the UN with the Global Green City Award in 2019.

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How Kempower electrified one of Europe’s largest bus depots in Italy

Kempower — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 06:58:15 +0000

Back to customer stories 2024-04-30 • 5 min read

How Kempower electrified one of Europe’s largest bus depots in Italy

Italian public transportation operator TPER has electrified one of Europe’s biggest bus depots in Bologna, exclusively using Kempower technology.

Cities are home to 75% of EU citizens, consume over 65% of the world’s energy and account for more than 70% of global CO2 emissions. Bologna is part of the EU’s Horizon Europe mission, which aims to take 100 cities to reach climate neutrality by 2030.

The transition to a more sustainable public transport system plays a pivotal role not only in reducing emissions, but also in offering cleaner air, safer transport and less congestion and noise to citizens.

A pioneering transportation operator, TPER is a key company for net-zero mobility in Italy and this project represents a milestone for the city of Bologna towards its sustainability goals.

DC fast-charging technology for electric bus depots

The TPER bus depot for up to 500 vehicles, is one of the largest bus depots in Europe. Using Kempower technology, it now offers up to 25 charging points for its 60 electric buses of 12and 18 meters in length. 20 Kempower Pantographs enable TPER to charge the vehicles using a power of up to 300 kW and five single output Kempower Satellites serve as auxiliary charging points, allowing to charge the buses with up to 130 kW.

Simultaneous fast-charging for multiple heavy-duty vehicles

The depot comprises 2 MW of installed power, employing a range of different Kempower Power Units (600 kW, 300 kW, 200 kW and 100 kW). As Mr. Monzali illustrates, “The installed power of 2 MW is equivalent to the energy needed by over 600 apartments using all their electrical connections at full power. We are working with a super high-power system.”

“The modularity of the systems was a critical factor in the selection phase of the project. The Power Units are equipped with modules of 50 kW each, allowing power to be increased by adding modules to the cabinets.”, says Mr. Monzali.

As TPER expands its electric bus fleet, the demand for charging capacity at the depot will rise accordingly. Kempower’s modular and scalable charging solutions will allow the operator to easily increase the charging capacity at the depot, according to need.

The infrastructure installed on this site enables DC charging at 800 V and therefore allows a bus to be fully charged in around an hour in the case of opportunity charging, both at daytime and night. In overnight modality, this site allows charging a bus in around 6 hours.

A transition to clean transportation with reliability at its heart

This project supports both near-term and long-term climate, health, and well-being goals, providing a model for the other cities, whose overall objective is to reach climate neutrality. The citizens of Bologna can breathe better air in their municipality, crucially without any impact on the transportation service they receive.

“At TPER, our motto is ‘a bus serves as a bus’, meaning that all our vehicles, including electric buses, must properly operate on their assigned routes. This is how we can ensure our efficiency and thus long-term operations,” explains Mr. Monzali.

In Kempower, TPER has found a partner who is able to deploy and operate charging systems at an economical rate and who will manage the charging site in the most effective way for years to come.

“I was looking for an utterly reliable charging solution for our e-fleet, to prevent any of our e-buses from stopping at any time due to lack of power. Kempower’s modular Power Unit and the related dynamic power management allow us to grant charging even in case of a temporary fault in the system. Failing power modules can even be remotely isolated for servicing, allowing uninterrupted operation for the rest. This is extremely important for us,” acknowledges Mr. Monzali.

Kempower chargers work dynamically to optimize power allocation across multiple vehicles at the depot, distributing it based on demand. This is key to grant charging efficiency and lower the related costs.

In realizing this project TPER has paid special attention in aesthetics. The operator believes that if a solution is greener, cleaner, and altogether better for the future, this must be reflected in its design. Therefore, TPER worked with an architect to shape a beautiful charging site in Via Ferrarese adding colors to the pantographs, a closed space to host the Power Units, and green decoration in the design.

Kempower ChargEye for Depot solution delivers manageability and key data to bus depot operators

TPER uses Kempower ChargEye to manage its depot. This cloud-based charging management system is specifically designed by Kempower to serve the needs of bus and truck depots and allows to optimize the total cost of ownership.

Kempower ChargEye complements Kempower’s hardware solutions and allows TPER to have total control of the charging infrastructure for managing both the recharging operations and maintenance requirements.

Some of the functions in use include setting peak power limits and charging priorities, managing vehicle pre-conditioning, and creating dedicated charging profiles for individual vehicles. This helps depot operators like TPER to run safe and secure operations and minimize the charging electricity costs.

“I am really satisfied about TPER trusting our innovative charging solution.”, comments Marco Bettega, Head of sales Italy at Kempower. “Together with our partner Mont-ele, who took care of every detail of the infrastructure, we have implemented a truly unique site. The modularity associated with the redundancy of the charging system, the chance of selecting different charging modes, fast or overnight, and the possibility to optimize the energy delivered, makes this depot a model for future projects.”, concludes Bettega.

Explore Kempower’s solutions for public transportation

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