Kempower https://kempower.com/ Powering Planet Cool Mon, 04 Aug 2025 18:36:10 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://earj6jxwkhd.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/cropped-cropped-favicon-1.png?strip=all&lossy=1&resize=32%2C32&ssl=1 Kempower https://kempower.com/ 32 32 Listening to our stakeholders: 2025 Kempower brand survey results  https://kempower.com/2025-kempower-brand-survey-results/ Mon, 23 Jun 2025 08:19:58 +0000 https://kempower.com/?p=74756 The post Listening to our stakeholders: 2025 Kempower brand survey results  appeared first on Kempower.

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Listening to our stakeholders: 2025 Kempower brand survey results 

Kempower’s brand is grounded in a clear mission: Powering Planet Cool. We’re here to charge the planet for the better by driving the electric movement forward. To ensure that the Kempower brand continues to resonate, we conducted a brand survey in spring 2025. Here are the results!

Kempower’s brand is grounded in a clear mission: Powering Planet Cool. We’re here to charge the planet for the better by driving the electric movement forward. To ensure that the Kempower brand continues to resonate, we conducted a brand survey in spring 2025. We gathered insights from over 300 respondents across customers, partners, employees, shareholders, journalists, and potential future employees. A big thanks to all of you who took the time to answer! 

Key highlights of Kempower brand survey 2025

  • Top brand perceptions: reliable, innovative, modern, fast, flexible 
  • Top brand expectations: reliable, fast, innovative, collaborative, flexible 

These results affirm that Kempower brand core is visible and has been developed in the right direction — but also highlight where we can improve.

Stakeholder insights from Kempower brand survey 2025

  • Customers value reliability and innovation, and expect faster, modern solutions. 
  • Sales and Service Partners see us as collaborative and smart, with a strong desire for flexibility. 
  • Shareholders appreciate our innovation and positivity but want more creativity and speed. 
  • Employees recognize our innovation and reliability, while calling for more impact and collaboration. 
  • Journalists echo similar sentiments, emphasizing our modern and positive image. 
  • Potential future employees present an opportunity to strengthen our employer brand. 

What we heard: key feedback themes 

Beyond the numbers, open feedback revealed valuable insights: 

  • Communication and information 
    Stakeholders want more transparency and substance in both internal and external messaging. 
  • Positive feedback and suggestions 
    Many praised our team, culture, and sustainability efforts—encouraging us to keep innovating and improving.

Looking ahead 

This survey highlights both Kempower brand strengths and the areas where we can grow. It confirms that our brand is evolving in the direction we’ve aimed for—and that it reflects the values and qualities we want it to represent. We’re committed to listening, learning, and taking action to ensure Kempower continues to lead the charge in e-mobility. 

Thank you to everyone who shared their voice!  

Written by

Paula Savonen

Vice President, Communications

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Eduard Naranjo Cardoso: what motivates me to work at Kempower https://kempower.com/eduard-naranjo-cardoso-what-motivates-me-to-work-at-kempower/ Thu, 19 Jun 2025 11:29:37 +0000 https://kempower.com/?p=74663 How would you feel if you could take on a job that allowed you to make a real impact on our planet, whilst working in an incredibly supportive environment with great room for growth? In the case of Eduard Naranjo Cardoso, all he feels is excitement and hope for the future as he works with Kempower to take electric vehicles mainstream.

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“I help build a better future for my children, day by day” – Eduard Naranjo Cardoso explaining what motivates him to work at Kempower

How would you feel if you could take on a job that allowed you to make a real impact on our planet, whilst working in an incredibly supportive environment with great room for growth? In the case of Eduard Naranjo Cardoso, all he feels is excitement and hope for the future as he works with Kempower to take electric vehicles mainstream. Read about his experience here.

”My role has a real impact,” says Eduard Naranjo Cardoso, a service engineer at Kempower in Spain. “I am working with real situations that require real solutions. I am happy that my work positively impacts the day-to-day life of people.”

At Kempower, the Finland-based electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions provider, a key function of Eduard’s role is to represent the company as a technical consultant, educating customers on product functions and capabilities, and ensuring the charging solutions provided are always up and running. The real-world impact of his work plus the company’s mission to accelerate the EV evolution is something he feels aligns with his values.

So how does Eduard feel Kempower supports him in making an impact? He lists 4 ways in which working here is an experience unlike any other.

1. Accelerating the EV evolution

As the world scrambles to adopt more sustainable solutions in different aspects of human life, EVs have come to play a huge role in the process. Working with Kempower allows Eduard to be a part of the EV evolution, helping build and operate the infrastructure needed to enable their safe, secure and reliable use.

”I get to contribute to the decarbonization of the world,” he says. ”I am the father of two daughters, and I want to make the world a better place for them. By working with Kempower, hopefully, I help build a better future for my children, day by day.”

The fast-evolving EV landscape is another exciting element for Eduard who believes being at Kempower places him at the forefront of cutting-edge tech in the E-mobility field.

2. Tackling real-world problems

Holding a master’s degree in industrial and electrical engineering, Eduard has gained extensive experience working in the renewable energy and e-mobility fields in Europe. During his career, he has been a project manager, supervised teams, and worked for all types of entities from large government utilities to smaller renewable energy companies. At Kempower, he gets to apply his engineering skills to various problems and devise practical solutions for them.

”We often encounter cases where customers face communication problems with the electrical parameters of their site. They might lack the knowledge to solve these issues, so we step in, analyze the variables, and provide solutions,” says Eduard. ”This not only helps the customers but also enhances our own skills as we adapt to new software or hardware developments in the E-mobility space.”

A low hierarchy and good atmosphere support wellbeing – team working together in Lahti Finland, where Kempower fast charging solutions for electric vehicles are manufactured in.

3. Creating and establishing new ways of working

Technological disruptions are a usual feature for anyone working in this field. For someone like Eduard, who is working in a customer facing function, there is a need to be able to rapidly keep pace with the latest breakthroughs and how to deal with them. At Kempower, Eduard says he gets the space to develop this knowledge and establish new work processes that take advantage of his expertise.

”The company is very open to receiving new suggestions and ideas from its employees,” he says. ”We are encouraged to bring forward our knowledge and share our experiences. Because of this, it is very easy to establish new processes and standardize ways of working, making Kempower an agile organization. And that is important considering the new advancements we see in the industry.”

4. Working in an environment that is incredibly supportive

”The people I work with are very supportive and helpful,” says Eduard who credits Kempower for creating a strong and thriving working environment that focuses on getting things done.

”In our industry, you need to be flexible, adaptive and quick to respond to clients’ needs and questions. The strong relationships across all functions and locations create an incredibly supportive environment. If I or any of my colleagues are held up by a problem or question, we can speedily come together, brainstorm and find a solution.”

This emphasis on teamwork and communication is a cornerstone of Eduard’s experience at Kempower, with the collaborative spirit ensuring that everyone is aligned and working towards a common goal.

5. What next?

Keeping all these reasons in mind, Eduard has great hopes for his future at Kempower.

”It is a very remarkable company where one gets so much opportunity to grow. Today I am working as a service engineer. But tomorrow…who knows? I could be a service manager, or maybe take an entirely new role inside Kempower. Either way, I am excited,” concludes Eduard.


Text: Lakshmi Sivadas / Duunitori
Original article published on June 24, 2025 by Duunitori.


See open positions at Kempower and apply to join the team!

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Airport Electrification: Next steps in the industry https://kempower.com/airport-electrification-next-steps-in-the-industry/ Fri, 23 May 2025 12:41:04 +0000 https://kempower.com/airport-electrification-next-steps-in-the-industry/ In March, Kempower’s Head of Sales, Fleet and OEM Josh Mueller traveled to New York City’s LaGuardia Airport for the second annual Airport Electrification US conference. Attending Airport Electrification US provided an opportunity to dive deep into the latest industry trends and the future of electrifying airports.

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Airport Electrification: Next Steps in the Industry

In March, Kempower’s Head of Sales, Fleet and OEM Josh Mueller traveled to New York City’s LaGuardia Airport for the second annual Airport Electrification US conference. Attending Airport Electrification US provided an opportunity to dive deep into the latest industry trends and the future of electrifying airports. Below, Josh shares his key takeaways from the show:

The EV industry is eager to support airport electrification.

Airports across the globe are electrifying operations to provide accessible solutions, reduce carbon emissions, and advance the clean transportation movement. New and existing terminals, such as those at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), are turning to electrification to allow travelers a more convenient and sustainable experience.

During the show, Josh met with manufacturers and innovators looking to make the transition to airport electrification, identifying ways to make it more smart and streamlined. The show provided a platform for continuous learning and collaboration with key industry leaders, many of whom were sharing their insights into how to electrify our airports and airport facilities. The collaboration at Airport Electrification US was a huge step toward creating a cleaner and more sustainable world.

Airport electrification starts on the ground.

The first step of electrifying an airport doesn’t take place in the sky; it starts on the ground. The electrification of ground transportation, from electric passenger buses to ground service equipment, plays a pivotal role in reducing carbon emissions and advancing an airport’s clean transportation journey.

Every aspect of electric ground transportation impacts the overall sustainability of an airport and its ability to serve its travelers. Kempower solutions are already in place and helping airports in the U.S. achieve their electrification goals. Last month, Kempower customer, Revel installed 24 new EV fast chargers at John F. Kennedy International Airport ensuring clean transportation alternatives are within reach for rideshare drivers and passengers.

Grid and utility support is an essential factor for airport electrification.

Utilities and grid support are necessary to electrify airports and their services. From powering terminal facilities to ensuring safe operations, they manage and support the power of all airport operations and infrastructure and are essential to productivity and performance.

Utility and grid sectors are eager to participate in the electrification conversation and identify new ways to serve as collaborative and sustainable partners. Notably, most electrification projects and upgrades require the support of utilities and grid management and allow for environmental goals to be accomplished sooner.

Kempower is proud to collaborate with partners across the country and advance the transition toward airport electrification.

Josh Mueller, Head of Sales for Fleet & OEM

Written by

Joshua Mueller

Head of Sales, Fleet & OEM, North America

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Powering the electric truck transition: Why CPOs should adopt Megawatt Charging Systems https://kempower.com/powering-the-electric-truck-transition-why-cpos-should-adopt-megawatt-charging-systems/ Wed, 21 May 2025 09:14:19 +0000 https://kempower.com/?p=73120 The complete electrification of road transportation requires more powerful charging infrastructure. That’s where Megawatt Charging Systems (MCS) come in. MCS is a new charging standard that allows heavy-duty electric vehicles to charge at extremely high rates of 1MW or higher, making it essential in supporting the coming boom in electric trucks.

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Powering the electric truck transition: Why CPOs should adopt Megawatt Charging Systems

The e-mobility industry is no longer only focussed on passenger EVs; the shift toward electric trucks is underway. With commercial fleets expected to make up two-thirds of the EV market’s total value by 2030, electrified heavy-duty EVs are on their way to becoming the mainstream.

The complete electrification of road transportation requires more powerful charging infrastructure. That’s where Megawatt Charging Systems (MCS) come in. MCS is a new charging standard that allows heavy-duty electric vehicles to charge at extremely high rates of 1MW or higher, making it essential in supporting the coming boom in electric trucks.

In this blog post, we will dive into what an MCS solution entails and examine its challenges and opportunities, to help you decide whether your business should invest in MCS.

Why should I commit to megawatt charging?

There’s no doubt that changes in the market mean megawatt charging will be a key milestone along the e-mobility transition roadmap. The biggest question is when? The most common concern businesses have when considering the benefits of installing Megawatt Charging Systems is whether they should install the infrastructure before MCS-compatible trucks are available and rolled out. This creates a chicken and egg situation.

So who should be the first to take the leap, and why? Vehicle OEMs are already in the process of developing MCS-compatible vehicles, with the first prototype vehicles expected to be released this year. Charging hardware manufacturers have been preparing too, with Kempower having delivered its first prototype unit in December 2024. However, the real push for industry adoption needs to come from CPOs and logistic companies, who have much to gain from being an early adopter.   

With major truck manufacturers committing to electrification, (Scania has pledged that 50% of all vehicles it sells will be electric by 2050 and Volvo Trucks plans for 50% of all its vehicles sold to be fully electric by 2030) installing a MCS solution on site is a golden opportunity for CPOs and logistic companies. Businesses that offer MCS charging will be able to sell significantly more energy per charging session compared to CCS charging alone, due to the sheer amount of energy delivered by a typical MCS charging session in comparison. Flexibility is another benefit, as MCS charging typically involves short charging windows of high power, allowing for quick turnarounds where customers need them.

Whoever has the infrastructure ready when the MCS-compatible trucks arrive will be in a great position to  reap the benefits of MCS charging. While some market players are waiting for the charging infrastructure to be in place to commit, the first CPOs to install it will receive the most prestige and traffic from these expectant customers. Inevitably there will be a ramp up phase, during which there will be a limited number of MCS-compatible trucks on the road. However, early MCS charging infrastructure can still be fully utilized during this time, as manufacturers such as Kempower enable dynamic power sharing between MCS and up to 6 additional CCS2 outputs in the same system. This allows power to be routed to CCS2 outputs while MCS outputs are not being used, leading to optimal site utilization during the MCS adoption ramp up period.

Is an MCS solution suitable for my site?

To get ready to lead the charge and install MCS at your site, CPOs and logistics companies should begin planning now: The first MCS-compatible prototype vehicles will likely be available this year, and the first MCS charger pilot projects are underway, with serial production to be expected across the industry from late 2026 to 2027.

MCS chargers need to be placed along long-haul trucking routes to provide electric trucks with power during mandated rest breaks, which provide the ideal opportunity for drivers to recharge while on the move. Regulatory rest breaks for truck drivers in Europe and North America last only 30-45 minutes, and, when time is money, can’t be extended. These short windows mean that charging power over a megawatt is needed to meet the demands of these heavy-duty electric trucks on long-haul routes and ensure they are sufficiently recharged for the next leg of their journey.

Sites such as truck stops along motorways, charging sites around urban nodes or at warehouses and logistic centers (often the final destination of trucks) are ideal locations for an MCS offering. They are best placed to serve the first wave of heavy-duty electric trucks as they look for charging opportunities along long-haul routes. 

With limited grid capacities being the standard nowadays, grid availability and options for local energy production and storage need to be considered. Charging sites will also need to offer enough space to accommodate heavy-duty and passenger vehicles needing both CCS and MCS charging. While a smaller site does not necessarily mean it is unsuitable since smart charging design can optimize use of space, it is important to remember that heavy-duty vehicles require significantly more space than passenger cars to maneuver.

Choosing the right MCS solution 

 Once your site is selected, it is crucial to choose a charging supplier that meets the needs of your site. Kempower has been pioneering MCS development and designed its solution with the needs of customers in mind, resulting in an ultra-flexible and scalable charging system.

The layout of your site is important. Adding MCS charging to your site does not mean you need to double your space – instead it is important to be smart about how you utilize existing space. Ensure that your site grows with the e-mobility transition by offering CCS charging lanes that can easily be transformed into MCS lanes, once demand grows. To support this, suppliers like Kempower offer the possibility to design charging sites as “MCS ready” and then upgrade it later to MCS by adding a MCS Mega Satellite to the system. Furthermore, choosing a charging manufacturer like Kempower which uses small charger footprints and a distributed charging system means sites can employ space-efficient designs which don’t sacrifice charging spaces and allow for maneuvering of trucks.

And if you already have Kempower CCS outputs installed on your site, then no problem. Our existing customers with the latest version of 600kW Kempower Power Units can upgrade their charging sites to MCS without installing new charging infrastructure from scratch, by adding another 600kW Power Unit to their sites. Customers can then connect the new Kempower Mega Satellite to two 600kW Power Units to unlock megawatt charging of up to 1.2 megawatts for electric trucks.

The Kempower MCS system is also based on existing and reliable technology. As a customer, choosing a supplier that has proven success over many years with its distributed charging system in the market is vital, as it removes the risk that comes with adopting a completely newly developed system.

With the MCS transition just beginning, it is vital that charging sites are future-proof. This means you need scalable charging solutions that help your business grow with the heavy-duty electric truck transition. The future will bring even more game-changing solutions – for example, once MCS-compatible trucks become mainstream, MCS charging points will need functioning and highly integrated reservation systems, as logistic companies cannot afford long idle and waiting times for their vehicles. Providing MCS charging promises to be a profitable enterprise – players that begin planning for the future of MCS now will benefit the most.

Want to join us in leading the MCS charge? Speak to Moritz to discuss how we can optimize your site for truck charging. 

Written by

Moritz Vornfeld

Segment Owner, Fleets

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Kempower Q1 Results Set Records, Demonstrate Momentum for EV Charging in North America https://kempower.com/kempower-q1-results-set-records-demonstrate-momentum-for-ev-charging-in-north-america/ Mon, 12 May 2025 20:51:32 +0000 https://kempower.com/?p=72938 Kempower continues to define the standard of electric vehicle charging solutions in two priority market segments – private and commercial vehicles – in the U.S. and Canada. Last month, Kempower released our Interim Financial Report for the first quarter of 2025. We are energized by the achievements of Q1 and the momentum of our business as we head into the remainder of the year.

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Kempower Q1 Results Set Records, Demonstrate Momentum for EV Charging in North America

Kempower continues to define the standard of electric vehicle charging solutions in two priority market segments – private and commercial vehicles – in the U.S. and Canada. Last month, Kempower released our Interim Financial Report for the first quarter of 2025. We are energized by the achievements of Q1 and the momentum of our business as we head into the remainder of the year.

In the first quarter, order intake in North America increased by 300%, compared to Q1 in 2024. Order intake for the quarter was the highest in company history and the second consecutive record-breaking quarter for the North American entity.

This milestone growth can be attributed to a strong sales pipeline and strategic partnerships with customers like Revel , who installed Kempower chargers in key cities including New York and San Francisco, public transit organizations, and school bus fleets.

Drivers across North America are increasingly switching to EVs as public sentiment continues to prioritize sustainability and environmental wellbeing. This is especially true for millennials and Gen Xers. North American battery-electric vehicle registrations increased 11% in Q1 2025 compared to Q1 2024. In Europe this increase was 31%.

The appetite to expand EV charging infrastructure remains strong in North America because of the high ratio of electric vehicles to chargers. As more drivers transition to electric vehicles, this need will only increase. In conjunction, the Environmental Protection Agency emission reduction requirements will continue to be a driving force in the transition to electric trucks and heavy vehicles.

Federal funding impacts approximately 5% of the total market, and, thus, the uncertainty of available federal funding will have limited impact on the success of the EV industry in the U.S. State-level funding continues to support investments in charging infrastructure.

Kempower’s collaborative technology benefits from the local supply chains in North America, meaning recent tariff implementations will not have major implications on production. We have local supply chains and production facilities, positioning us to mitigate future tariff-related business risks as much as possible. Furthermore, as a global company with bicontinental manufacturing, we have an increased ability to determine the best pricing and technology options for our customers.

Earlier this year, Kempower announced two charging solutions for the North American market – the Kempower Flex Satellite and the Kempower Control Unit. At the global level, we’ve introduced an enhanced charging solution with more power, plugs, and data. The improved solution features a 600 or 1,200 kW Kempower Power Unit connected to 12 charging points. The new solutions and updates are designed to meet the growing demands for efficient and scalable power solutions in various applications.

Additional Kempower Group Q1 2025 Key Figures: 

  • Order intake increased by 32% or 59.4 million euros.
  • 43.5-million-euro revenue, 2% increase in revenue growth.
  • Onboarded 11 new customers.
  • Order intake grew in the rest of Europe more than 50%, driven by Germany, France, Austria, and Italy.

Kempower continues to adapt to meet the needs of our customers and the North American market, solidifying our role as a leader in the industry. By providing exemplary products that are accessible and easy to use, Kempower will continue to define, produce, and improve electric vehicle infrastructure across North America and the globe. #PoweringPlanetCool

You can view the complete report at Kempower.com.

Monil Malhotra Kempower North America, President

Written by

Monil Malhotra

President, Kempower North America

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Electric trucks and charging in Australia: A growing opportunity https://kempower.com/electric-trucks-and-charging-in-australia-a-growing-opportunity/ Thu, 27 Mar 2025 13:29:40 +0000 https://kempower.com/?p=67721 The post Electric trucks and charging in Australia: A growing opportunity appeared first on Kempower.

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Electric trucks and charging in Australia: A growing opportunity

Electric trucks are rapidly growing in fleet size as a more sustainable alternative to traditional diesel-powered heavy-duty trucks. In Australia, where heavy-duty vehicles contribute significantly to CO2 emissions from road transport, the transition to electric trucks is crucial for meeting sustainability targets and reducing environmental impacts. However, battery capacity remains a limiting factor, slowing the widespread adoption of electric trucks for long-haul operations.  

Australia’s commitment to expanding electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure has accelerated, with the Australian government and private sectors investing heavily in charging solutions. As of mid-2024, there were almost 3,000 public EV charging stations across the country, including more than 1000 fast-charging sites – it’s a 90% increase in high-power charging locations compared to the previous year. This expansion supports both passenger vehicles and electric trucks, helping to create the infrastructure necessary for the electrification of the Australian transport sector.  

The need for electric trucks is particularly pressing in Australia, where the road freight sector is a major source of pollution. Although heavy trucks make up only 4% of all vehicles, they contribute a massive 38% of transport emissions. Without action, emissions from freight trucks are expected to rise to 22 million tonnes of CO2 by 2030. 

Another challenge is Australia’s aging truck fleet. The average truck is 10-15 years-old, much older than in countries like Germany or France, where most truck are under 10-years-old. Older trucks use more fuel and create more pollution, making the transition to electric even more urgent. 

There is already a big opportunity to introduce electric trucks, especially in cities, where 30-40% of all road freight is moved. Demand for freight transport in cities like Brisbane and Perth is also expected to double by 2030, making cleaner transport solutions even more critical.  

Australia has committed to net-zero emissions by 2050, but this won’t be possible without cutting emissions road transport. To meet climate targets, the last diesel and petrol-powered trucks will need to be phased out by 2040. Expanding EV infrastructure now will make this transition smoother, helping businesses lower costs, improving air quality, and making Australia’s transport sector more sustainable. 

  

Challenges to widespread adoption  

Despite these advancements, widespread adoption of electric heavy-duty trucks in Australia faces certain barriers, one of the most significant being range, meaning the distance an EV can travel on a single charge. However, for many urban and regional routes, electric trucks already provide sufficient range, reducing concerns over long-distance travel. Furthermore, as the market for electric trucks develops, more specialized charging infrastructure for trucks will be required.  

While there has been significant investment in electric truck charging infrastructure, challenges remain in connecting these stations to the grid. The technical and logistical issues surrounding grid connection can cause delays in the rollout of charging networks. These barriers include the capacity of local grids to handle the additional power demand, as well as the cost and complexity of upgrading infrastructure in remote or underserved areas. Despite these hurdles, efforts are underway to expand the charging network, and overcoming these challenges will be key to supporting the widespread adoption of electric trucks across Australia.  

  

Electric truck charging scenarios in Australia  

 Electric truck charging in Australia follows similar principles to those seen in Europe but with a growing focus on addressing the unique needs of the Australian transport sector. The key charging scenarios are:  

  • Overnight charging: This is a common practice for fleet owners, who charge their electric trucks overnight using lower DC power (50-100 kW). This method works well for trucks that remain at depots overnight, allowing 6-8 hours for charging and is already supported by logistic operators who are expanding sustainability initiatives across the country.  
  • Destination charging: Trucks that need to recharge during their routes can utilize idle times for recharging during loading and unloading at logistics centres and warehouses. With 150-400 kW chargers in place, the charging time can vary between 30 minutes to 2 hours, making it suitable for regional and long-haul routes.  
  • On-the-move charging: This method, which involves high-power charging along highways and urban nodes, will be necessary for long-distance truck operations. Australia’s EV charging plans include ultra-fast charging solutions to support these on-the-move needs. Since regulatory driver breaks are often utilized for charging, the available window is sometimes so short that only power over a megawatt will meet the demands of electric trucks in the future, precipitating the need for Megawatt Charging Systems (MCS). With interoperability testing between charging hardware manufacturers and OEMs already being conducted, the first MCS capable vehicles are expected on the roads within the next two years. 

Stages of electric truck adoption   

Electric truck adoption is occurring in stages, with different levels of progress for each:  

  • Stage one: Local & Regional Trips. Currently, the most significant adoption is in local travel. Trucks in this category are typically rigid vehicles with enough range to cover daily distances. They often use private overnight charging at depots (50-100 kW), but there is an increasing need for destination charging at logistics centres to support longer journeys. As the electric truck fleets continue to grow, expanding charging infrastructure will be essential to accommodate higher demand and ensure seamless operations. 
  • Stage two: Mid-Haul Trips. As we move towards mid-haul journeys, there is an increase in the electrification of articulated trucks. Public charging stations are becoming more widespread, and government incentives are helping accelerate adoption. Charging stations will soon offer higher power options (500 kW or more) at urban locations.  
  • Stage three: Long-Haul Trips. For long-haul journeys, full truck electrification is still in development. This stage will require highly integrated charging infrastructure, with automated processes at logistics centres and along highways. Public overnight charging stations and government support will play a key role in making long-haul electrification feasible.  Additionally, the necessity for chargepoint reservations will become increasingly important to facilitate long-haul electrification at scale in the future, ensuring that trucks can plan and access charging points efficiently during extended routes. 

  

Why electric trucks are a smart investment in Australia  

Trucking operators are seeing more enquiries from customers and businesses to reduce emissions as part of sustainability goals. 

Electric trucks are an economic opportunity for trucking operators if it is done right. As the primary freight means in Australia, reducing costs associated with ownership and operation of electric trucks, will allow for reduced costs passed down to the end customer. 

The Australian government, through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), is supporting the transition to electric trucks with programs like “Driving the Nation”, which provides AUS$500 million to invest in cheaper and cleaner transport, including grants for both electric truck deployment and charging infrastructure. 

In addition to the benefits of government subsidies, while electric trucks tend to have a higher initial cost than diesel-powered vehicles, the total cost of ownership (TCO) for electric trucks is expected to reach parity with internal combustion engine (ICE) trucks within the next decade. In fact, some regions have already seen TCO parity for electric trucks.  

The current policy landscape in Australia concerning electric trucks is a work in progress and we can look to other parts of the world, such as Europe, to see how these policies can be developed effectively to enable sustainable transport with electric trucks. 

The global push for cleaner mobility, driven by regulations and initiatives like those from the EU, is accelerating the adoption of electric trucks. These trucks have zero tailpipe emissions, making them an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional diesel trucks. The EU’s Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) mandates the deployment of electric truck charging stations every 60 km along the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) core network by 2030. 

Key benefits of electric trucks that contribute to reducing TCO include:  

  • Lower fuel costs  
  • Reduced maintenance expenses  
  • Government incentives  
  • Exemptions from road tolls  

  

Looking ahead: The future of electric trucks in Australia  

The electrification of heavy-duty transport is a necessary step toward a more sustainable future in Australia. However, there’s a catch: without reliable charging infrastructure, it’s difficult to get more electric trucks on the road. Similarly, without enough electric trucks, it’s hard to justify investments in charging stations.  

The solution is to develop a widespread, reliable charging network across Australia. Once such infrastructure is in place, fleet owners will feel more confident in switching to electric trucks, leading to faster adoption. 

The Australian government’s strong support the electric trucks creates the perfect opportunities for CPOs and fleet operators to invest in charging for electric trucks, and to follow the model set out by Norway’s success.  

Kempower’s fast-charging solutions are already helping to power both depots and public charging stations for electric trucks across Europe. Further, Kempower has delivered first MCS pilots in Europe, leading the development of this technology among others.  As the industry progresses, similar advancements will be crucial to accelerating the transition to electric trucks in Australia and beyond.  

Want to learn more about electric truck charging stations? Fill out the form to access our webinar and gain insights into revolutionizing e-truck charging: https://kempower.com/webinar/webinar-live-qa-revolutionizing-e-truck-charging/  

Written by

Dylan Perera

Business Development Manager, Australia & New Zealand, Kempower

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How to select the right EV charging power for your retail site https://kempower.com/the-right-ev-charging-power-for-your-retail-site/ Wed, 26 Feb 2025 09:16:39 +0000 https://kempower.com/?p=63245 Building a retail EV charging site is a great opportunity for retailers to boost revenue potential from their existing customer base by providing EV charging as an additional service.

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How to select the right EV charging power for your retail site

Building a retail EV charging site is a great opportunity for retailers to boost revenue potential from their existing customer base by providing EV charging as an additional service. To ensure the success of retail EV charging, there are a few key decisions that need to be made, and choosing your charging power wisely is at the top of this list.

This blog post provides forward-thinking retailers with a guide to making informed decisions about the amount of EV charging plugs and power they should offer at their sites to optimize customers’ shopping experience and maximize return on investment. 

Why is power important in EV charging?

Before delving into the selection and deployment stage of EV charging stations, it’s essential to understand what we mean when we talk about the power rating of an EV charger, and how power influences key metrics like charging times.

Power, measured in kilowatts (kW), determines the speed at which a car charges. Every charger is given a power rating to indicate how much power it can deliver. This is different to energy, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), which is used to describe EVs batteries or capacity and determines the vehicle’s range.

Figure 1: How power and energy (kW and kWh) are linked

Figure 1 shows how power and energy (kW and kWh) are linked, as, in general, the higher the power of a charger, the faster a car battery charges. More power delivered by a charger means more range added in a shorter period of time. 

So do more powerful charges = faster charging times = happier customers? Not exactly. Contrary to common belief, power isn’t constant throughout the charging process. As a battery fills up, charging speed decreases due to the charging curve. This means that advertised charging speeds may only be achievable with nearly empty batteries.

Figure 2: Top Sold EV’s charging rates

As Figure 2 illustrates, in practical terms, unless drivers arrive with nearly depleted batteries, they won’t receive the maximum power as advertised by the car manufacturer, but rather a reduced amount. 

Since accessing higher power also incurs significant costs, it’s prudent to base your charging hub design on average charging power (speed) rather than maximum power. In the absolute worst-case scenario, this might slightly prolong the overall charging session by a few minutes. However, the savings gained from opting for lower available power far outweigh any inconvenience.

Choosing the right power for your scenario is therefore a more complex issue than it first seems. Finding the optimal balance between meeting customer needs and maximizing your profit requires an understanding of your customer to help you find the sweet-spot for the amount of chargers and power at your site.

How to choose the right power for your EV charging site needs

When designing an EV charging site for your retail customer, the most important thing to consider is average customer dwell time. The expected dwell time of EV drivers using your chargers will align with typical customer visit durations. It is crucial to know your average customer’s dwell time, because customers prefer not to be inconvenienced when shopping by having to relocate their vehicle once it’s fully charged. They also want to receive the power they need without having to wait longer than planned.

Figure 3: How long are you willing to wait at a public charging station?

It’s also important to understand whether EV charging will be a primary activity or a secondary convenience at your site. Most retailers fall into the latter category, where EV charging complements the primary activity of shopping. EV drivers never want to wait to charge, but their tolerance is even lower at retail sites if the driver is charging opportunistically. If an EV driver sees a full charging bay when shopping at a retail site, instead of waiting they are likely to charge at another time, or even shop at a different retail site with better charging availability. Therefore it’s essential to offer enough plugs and make waiting times rare.

Power also needs to be adjusted to a secondary charging scenario. If power is too low, charging at the site for a short time during a shopping session is not worth it for EV drivers. On the other hand, if the power offered is too high, meaning the EV is fully charged before the customer finishes their shopping session, the customer’s charging session will end earlier than expected. In addition to the inconvenience this causes EV drivers, it negatively affects ROI for CPOs as it leads to charging spaces being occupied by inactive charging sessions.

To determine the optimal power per plug to provide customers at a site, operators should calculate the average customer dwell time. Kempower can help retailers carry out the calculations to determine this level. 

Figure 4: Charging example

For example, if a customer with a 40 kWh EV battery arrives with a 30% charge and plans to charge during a typical 25-minute shopping trip, and assuming a good ending state of charge of at least 70%, the minimum power offered by a charger should be approximately 38kW. Of course, retailers don’t need to provide exactly 38kW, but it should be in the range: A charging time that is too long or too short will dampen customer experience, so it’s important to match charging time to dwell time accurately.

What if your average customer dwell times vary? While there will be an overall average, there will always be anomalies among your customers. To cater to a range of customers with varying charging needs, it’s wise to seek flexible solutions capable of redistributing available power between plugs as required, all while avoiding the need for excessive installation sizes.

How to meet customer needs with optimized EV charging infrastructure

Ensuring customer satisfaction and maximizing revenue involves more than just choosing the right power. Other ways you can make the most of the power you offer include:

  • Increasing plug availability: EV drivers have little patience for waiting, especially during secondary charging activities like shopping. Offering more charging plugs is a good alternative to providing more power across multiple plugs, reducing wait times and preventing potential revenue loss.
  • Offering dynamic power sharing: Distributing available power across charging points based on the charging curve of each EV model prevents overloading individual stations and ensures optimal charging speeds for all customers.

Using modular charging solutions: Investing in scalable charging solutions will help you to adapt to evolving customer behaviors and increasing battery capacities as your retail charging business grows.

Implementing a retail EV charging site

Once you have done your customer research and know how much power to offer, the final step is to determine the availability of power at your site. The power offered by the grid at your site can significantly impact site design and how quickly a charging hub can start operation.

To assess the available power on their site retailers should:

  1. Determine the site’s power capacity during peak operational hours.
  2. Evaluate the site’s power availability during off-peak hours or when the main activity is less busy.

If there is sufficient available power (i.e. enough to deliver the optimal power calculated using your research into customer behavior) your priority should be matching this capacity. When determining whether power is sufficient, remember that a flexible and dynamic solution can assist in maintaining power commitments across multiple plugs, utilizing less input power by efficiently adjusting to charging curves and redistributing power between plugs as necessary.

However, if there isn’t sufficient power available, retailers should begin contemplating ways to expand their power capacity through a new point of connection and may consider constructing a separate EV charging hub or introducing energy storage to make up for insufficient levels of grid power during times of peak demand. 

The Kempower team can advise you on the optimal numbers of plugs and level of power you should be offering at your site. Get in touch to discuss your options.

Written by

Oscar Sánchez

Segment Owner, Public Charging Kempower

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New Year’s Eve 2024: A Road Trip to North Cape in the Arctic Circle https://kempower.com/new-years-eve-2024-a-road-trip-to-nordkapp-in-the-arctic-circle/ Fri, 17 Jan 2025 11:27:41 +0000 https://kempower.com/?p=60359 Have you ever thought about going to the most Northern point of the European mainland during its coldest and darkest season? Nordkapp in Norway is this point and we have been joining the eNordkapp Challenge 2024 as Team Kempower, with Rick and Tobias, to discover the magic of the Northern lights, to see reindeers crossing our paths and charging our EVs with Kempower along the way.

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New Year’s Eve 2024: A Road Trip to North Cape in the Arctic Circle

Have you ever thought about going to the most Northern point of the European mainland during its coldest and darkest season? North Cape in Norway is this point and we have been joining the eNordkapp Challenge 2024 as Team Kempower, with Rick and Tobias, to discover the magic of the Northern lights, to see reindeers crossing our paths and charging our EVs with Kempower along the way. We have been driving from Germany through Poland, the Baltics and Finland to Norway. Crossing Finland from South to North provided us with the opportunity to visit the Kempower HQ in Lahti on 31 December 2024. The following texts are collected diary entries from Rick and Tobias. It was an amazing journey!

(from Rick, 27/12/2024)

Kick-Off for the eNordkappChallenge 2024!

It all started today – our Team Kempower (#406) set off today on the first stage from the EnBW charging park in Chemnitz to Lodz. The weather? Perfect. The mood? Relaxed and motivated.

We are looking forward to collecting not only kilometres, but also exciting encounters over the next few days – and of course a stop at our headquarters in Lahti is also on the agenda.

Curious? Then join us on my or Tobias Kerls’ LinkedIn profile or in the #eNC2024 public Telegram group (https://t.me/eNordkapp). We promise exciting days ahead!

(from Tobias, 29/12/2024)

Day 2 & 3: EV driving through the Baltics


After a restful first night in Łódź, Poland, day 2 took Rick Kynast all other drivers and me to Kaunas, Lithuania. In Kaunas, we were then presented with a highlight: the largest public charging park in the Baltic States at the Akropolis shopping center, which was equipped with Kempower hardware by the operator Eleport.

A big thank you goes to our Latvian colleague Martins Stirans who gave us a warm welcome in Kaunas and accompanied us all the way to Riga!

On the way to Tallinn, we were once again able to rely on the Kempower charging points from Eleport in Riga and Salacgrīva, Latvia – a reliable support for our trip. It was particularly nice to see that our passengers were also able to use various Kempower charging points along the way.

Now a short rest in Tallinn will not only recharge our car batteries but also our personal ones.

Looking forward to the next days!

(from Rick, 31/12/2024)

Day 4 & 5: Visiting Kempower HQ in Lahti

After a rest day in the beautiful city of Tallinn, filled with great food, coffee, and a bit of sightseeing, we headed to Finland by ferry.

A quick drive through Helsinki brought us further north to a special stop: the Kempower HQ in Lahti.

Thanks to the amazing support from Philipp SCHIWEK, Mikko Malinen, Jyri Ruotsalainen and many more the eNordkapp Challenge participants had the chance to visit our headquarters and one of our factories – complete with lunch and, of course, free charging!

With New Year’s Eve approaching, most participants headed back to Helsinki for the celebrations and planned to catch a train to Kolari later today. But Tobias Kerls and I decided to take on the full challenge and drive all the way up, supported by the incredible charging infrastructure of our customers S-ryhmä / S Group , Neste and Recharge powered by Kempower technology.

One unforgettable highlight of the trip – and a personal bucket list moment – was seeing the northern lights for the first time just before reaching Oulu.

In Oulu, we had the pleasure of meeting our colleague Kari Laurikka for drinks and great conversations to ring in the New Year.

Now, we’re heading even further north, traveling close to the Swedish border and tomorrow night we’ll be in Norway.

Excited for the days ahead, with more cold, clear skies and incredible experiences!

(from Tobias, 03/01/2025)

Day 5 & 6: Reaching the Goal – Nordkapp


After a week – including a break in Tallinn – we have finally reached our destination: the spectacular Nordkapp within the eNordkappChallenge!

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗷𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆:
Starting in Düsseldorf (via the official starting point in Chemnitz), we traveled to the Nordkapp through Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland and Norway
Distance travelled: 3,941 kilometers
Energy consumption: 886 kWh, averaging 22.5 kWh/100 km
Temperatures: As low as -33°C

What makes us proud? We completed the journey without compromising comfort – the heating was set to a cozy 21°C throughout the trip. This was caused due to the great Kempower infrastructure in the Baltics and Scandics.

Highlights & challenges:
The last leg of the journey, from Innari (Finland) via Karasjok (Norway) to the Nordkapp, required some flexibility. An interesting challenge: At -33°C, energy consumption rose to 29 kWh/100 km due to the battery heating system and the increased energy demand for the cabin. In these extreme conditions, heating the car consumed almost as much energy as driving!

For our next trip to Nordkapp we hope that Nordic charging operators like Recharge, Neste, S-ryhmä / S Group (ABC Charging), St1 Nordic Oy, and Mer will expand their infrastructure with more Kempower hardware.

Looking ahead: Our return journey will take us through Sweden along the Gulf of Bothnia – approximately 3,100 kilometers. We expect lower energy consumption thanks to milder weather conditions.
A detailed update with more insights and data will follow after we return.

Thanks for following along!

(from Rick, 16/01/2025)

Reflections on the eNordkappChallenge
– Back Home After an Unforgettable Journey


After a week back home, it’s time to look back on our incredible eNordkapp Challenge experience – both the return trip and the entire adventure.

We covered 7,300 kilometers with an energy consumption of 24,6kWh/100 km and without sacrificing comfort. We never felt cold – at least not inside the car! Outside, however, temperatures dropped to a chilling -32°C, truly testing both us and the equipment.

Our key learnings and highlights:
EVs are no longer a limiting factor, even for extreme long-distance winter road trips. Modern, standard electric vehicles handle it with ease – and reliable charging infrastructure makes all the difference.
Charging was never a challenge thanks to our Kempower partners: Neste, S-ryhmä / S Group (ABC Charging), St1 Nordic Oy, Recharge, Virta International GmbH, Circle K, Mer and Eleport.

Of course, on a journey this long, great company and entertainment matter just as much as technology. Huge shoutout to Tobias Kerls and all the other participants for the laughs, the shared moments, and the unforgettable memories. For the perfect soundtrack on the road, our Kempower Spotify Playlist always delivered – check it out if you haven’t already (Link in the comments!

A special shoutout to Nokian Tyres plc! The right tires made all the difference, keeping us safe, comfortable, and confident on icy Nordic roads.

Top highlights?
Witnessing the breathtaking northern lights
Encounters with reindeer wandering through the snowy landscapes
The vast, untouched nature and wide horizons of the Nordic countries
And most importantly: the warmth, hospitality, and kindness of everyone we met along the way

This journey was proof that electric mobility can handle even the most demanding conditions. Here’s to more unforgettable adventures, pushing boundaries, and inspiring change!

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Electrifying mobility together and recognizing excellence with the Kempower Partner Awards https://kempower.com/kempower-partner-awards/ Wed, 18 Dec 2024 09:50:38 +0000 https://kempower.com/?p=59050 Our global sales and service partner network plays an important role in electrifying transport and mobility globally, and in making Kempower charging solutions available worldwide. To achieve our vision: to create the world’s most desired EV fast-charging solutions for everyone, everywhere – Everyone’s contributions are needed, and Kempower’s sales and service teams are working closely with the partners to fulfill the unique requests of each electrification project.

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Electrifying mobility together and recognizing excellence with the Kempower Partner Awards

Our global sales and service partner network plays an important role in electrifying transport and mobility globally, and in making Kempower charging solutions available worldwide. To achieve our vision: to create the world’s most desired EV fast-charging solutions for everyone, everywhere – Everyone’s contributions are needed, and Kempower’s sales and service teams are working closely with the partners to fulfill the unique requests of each electrification project.  

With every installation, we help to decarbonize the planet while offering sustainable business conditions and a first-class charging experience to end users – whether they are consumers driving their electric cars, bus drivers, operating public transport, or truck drivers, making sure that goods are available at the right place at the right time. Simultaneously with decarbonization, we enable an exhaust-freer and quieter living environment in our cities and suburban areas. 

The Kempower Partner Awards 

The Kempower Partner Awards has become an annual tradition to celebrate our sales and service partners who have raised our attention that year and collaborated with us on key milestones. This is also an opportunity to pay tribute to high-performing or, for instance, brand-loyal partners, giving the spotlight to both big and small players. The awards are handed out in various categories, each recognizing different aspects of our partnerships and recognizing the role they play in electrifying mobility.  

The 2024 Kempower Partner Awards winners are: 

  • Collaborative Impact Partner Award - Mobilize. Mobilize is committed to championing the Kempower brand in the face of competition by promoting our values and defending Kempower’s market position. The basis of our collaborative spirit can be attributed to our teams’ shared trust, open communication, and commitment to excellence.  
  • Most Active Brand Ambassador –National Car Charging. National Car Charging (NCC) consistently boosts the Kempower brand through social media and product features. The Kempower and NCC PR and brand teams’ strong relationship is reflected in the deep understanding of Kempower’s brand identity shown in NCC’s communications.  
  • Most Innovative Charging Station –Virta. Hedin Bil’s multi-brand car dealership in Linköping, Sweden provides public charging for both passenger EVs and trucks. Operated by Virta’s charging platform and currently offering charging capacity for four trucks and seven passenger EVs, the site aims to be an early adopter of MCS for public charging, later installing Kempower Mega Satellites.  
  • Service Partner of the Year – TSG Solutions. TSG Solutions is a very active partner on both a local and a global level. TSG’s strong support of Kempower’s growth initiatives, fast response times, and high service quality are especially appreciated by our team.  
  • Service Partner Rising Star of the Year –Kalema E-Mobility. Kalema E-Mobility stands out for its exclusive dedication to Kempower – such is its faith in our chargers, we are the only fast charger manufacturer Kalema E-Mobility partners with. We greatly appreciate its dedication to customer care and satisfaction. 
  • Sales & Service Partner of the Year – Wennström. Wennström has partnered with Kempower to deliver chargers to a range of industries and locations,​​ for instance bus and truck depots, and the recently opened public charging station for trucks operated by Fastcharge. It’s always innovating and recently established itself in the e-mobility industry, where it maintains high response times, closeness to customers, and short delivery times. A project that demonstrates the ambition of our collaboration is Norway’s first public charging site dedicated exclusively for trucks, located in the world’s most northern city Hammerfest, which employs the Kempower Power Unit and will offer MCS in the future.  

Thank you to all our sales and service partners globally 

Finally, we would like to thank all our partners for the important part each one plays in moving us closer to achieving our vision. Whether you are one of our oldest partners or a new collaborator, we look forward to supporting you with our market-leading DC charging systems, now and in the future. 

In the true spirit of the season, instead of sending Christmas gifts to our clients or partners, we have chosen to make a meaningful impact by donating to UNICEF. This donation will help support children in need worldwide, spreading joy and hope where it is needed most. 

We wish you a successful end of the year and a prosperous new year 2025! 

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Improve EV charging reliability with charger success rates: How CPOs can optimize EV charger performance  https://kempower.com/improve-ev-charging-reliability-with-charger-success-rates-how-cpos-can-optimize-ev-charger-performance/ Thu, 14 Nov 2024 07:33:36 +0000 https://kempower.com/?p=57163 The public charging market is growing, yet concerns around EV charging reliability remain a barrier to the e-mobility transition. Much of these concerns are unfounded - Kempower EV chargers offer an average uptime of over 99%, but areas for improvement remain. 

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Improve EV charging reliability with charger success rates: How CPOs can optimize EV charger performance

The public charging market is growing, yet concerns around EV charging reliability remain a barrier to the e-mobility transition. Much of these concerns are unfounded – Kempower EV chargers offer an average uptime of over 99%, but areas for improvement remain. 

Aiming to change perceptions of public EV charging being unreliable, Kempower has measured charging success rates across its chargers for five years using the data on ChargEye, Kempower’s EV charging management software, to identify these areas. Results from over 13 million charging sessions inform data-driven improvements to Kempower’s charging hardware and software and the advice we give to partners and customers. 

This blog will dive into Kempower’s charging success rate data to show how data-driven improvements can help optimize EV charging reliability. It also provides a guide for CPOs on how to optimize the charging experience to improve charger reliability and attract more customers to their EV charging site. 

Note: To understand what each type of charger success rate means, read the first blog post in our charging success rates in public charging series. 

How to prioritize user-friendliness in EV charging design

As our previous blog concludes, errors caused by EV drivers make up 81% of charger failures, making improving the user-friendliness of the charging process a priority. ~75.7% of user failings are due to failed authentication and ~13.8% due to improperly connected charger cables. Clearly, reducing error through user negligence by making the charging process easier to understand is key to improving usability rates.  

  • What Kempower does: We made steps to improve the usability of EV charging apps and optimize Kempower chargers’ user interface to be as intuitive as possible, for example by reminding the end-user to check that the charging session had started before leaving the charging site. 
  • What CPOs can do: Since so many EV charger failures arise from end-user error, it’s important that customers clearly signpost how to use the charging point properly. This means using a charging app provider that centers user-experience. 

How to reduce technical failings at EV charging points 

Most of the technical problems we have identified at EV charging sites call for actions from charger manufacturers, CPOs and EV drivers themselves. When investigating the reasons for technical failures, we found that the two most common failures were locking issues (~44.1% of all technical failures) and EV communication issues (~47.1% of all technical failures). Solving these problems requires a collaborative approach. 

  • What Kempower does: After first analyzing these results, we experimented with plugs from multiple different manufacturers before choosing our primary supplier based on the plug locking design. When it came to addressing EV communication issues, we used Kempower’s EV identification technology to identify the EV models at fault while adjusting Kempower software to tolerate non-standard behavior if it is not a safety related feature. OEMs have twice launched a callback campaign of EV batches based on our information.  
  • What CPOs can do: Locking issues can originate from various sources such as a faulty EV connector, a worn-out plug, or improper connection by the user. To solve this issue, we advise our customers to make their charging fleet as user-friendly as possible by guiding operators to favor drive-through chargers over traditional parking. We also recommend guiding EV drivers to support the plug while connecting to prevent locking issues through user error. When we trialed this by adding instructions to EV charging apps and attaching explanatory stickers to Kempower charging dispensers, the relative number of locking issues decreased by approximately 10%. 

How to guarantee EV charging availability

Charging availability is essential to the success of all other rates. For a session to even be possible, the charger has to be available for charging.  

  • What Kempower does: All Kempower DC fast chargers employ dynamic charging, which reduces charging and waiting times by distributing power based on need. The result is a 99% charging availability for Kempower chargers.  
  • What CPOS can do: Our customers can work with the Kempower team to ensure availability at charging sites. Kempower helps customers calculate the optimal number of plugs and levels of power for their specific customer charging scenarios.  

Making reliable EV charging the norm 

Kempower’s exhaustive data gathering and analysis of various success metrics reveal the need for actionable solutions to common charging errors, with a particular focus on improving usability and educating EV drivers. Joint efforts between charging manufacturers and CPO customers is key to ensuring EV charging reliability, which is why Kempower collaborates with customers throughout the process of installing a charging site. 

Want to offer reliable charging infrastructure at your charging site? Kempower can help you achieve data-driven results. Get in touch today. 

Read more about our findings about charging success rates in public charging in our new white paper. 

Written by

Mikko Veikkolainen

Vice President of Research and Innovation, Kempower 

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EV charging reliability: What charging success rates reveal about public EV charger uptime https://kempower.com/ev-charging-reliability/ Thu, 14 Nov 2024 07:33:20 +0000 https://kempower.com/?p=57151 As the e-mobility transition continues, uncertainty around EV charging reliability remains an area of concern for current and potential EV drivers. Knowing that reliability is a significant pain point, Kempower has measured charging success rates across its chargers since the first were installed in 2018 using the data on ChargEye, Kempower’s EV charging management software.

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EV charging reliability: What charging success rates reveal about public EV charger uptime

As the e-mobility transition continues, uncertainty around EV charging reliability remains an area of concern for current and potential EV drivers. Knowing that reliability is a significant pain point, Kempower has measured charging success rates across its chargers since the first were installed in 2018 using the data on ChargEye, Kempower’s EV charging management software. 

Today, Kempower’s extensive database, which has recorded over 13 million successful charging sessions between 2018 and 2024, reveals insights into the most common causes of EV charger failures. These findings are important for helping EV charger manufacturers, CPOs and EV drivers improve the charging experience. 

This blog post provides an overview of useful charging success rates, why they are important, and what they reveal to us about how we can improve the public charging experience. 

How is EV charging reliability measured?  

The charging success rate (charging SR) indicates the proportion of successful charging attempts out of the total number of sessions taking place at a charge point. It is a useful metric to measure the overall performance and reliability of an EV charging station, providing a clear picture of the end-user experience.  

Success rate metrics can be segmented into more specific categories to pinpoint issues and areas for improvement. Understanding the purpose of each success rate helps CPOs and charger manufacturers identify actionable steps toward improved reliability. 

  • The technical success rate (technical SR) monitors unsuccessful charging attempts due to technical issues, caused by either the EV or the charging equipment. Common causes of a technical failure include problems with the plug locking mechanism, EV communication issues or charger issues. 
  • The usability success rate (usability SR) focuses on unsuccessful attempts caused by user-related issues. Factors that can negatively influence the usability SR include complicated charging apps, user missteps such as forgetting to connect the plug or authorize the charging session, or deauthorized sessions due to insufficient credits or an invalid authorization tag. 

What do charging success rates reveal about the reliability of public EV charging stations?

Data gathered across 13 million charging sessions show that the majority of technical failures can be attributed to two main causes: EV communication issues, which account for ~47.1% of all technical failures, and locking issues, which make up ~44.1% of all technical failures. EV communications issues typically originate from the vehicle itself and are caused by software bugs. Problems with the plug locking mechanism can originate from a variety of sources such as a faulty EV connector, a worn-out plug, or improper connection by the user. Purely charger related issues, which include failures mainly related to the charging station such as hardware malfunctions, worn-out parts or firmware bugs, only occur in around ~5.0% of instances and other issues occur in 3.4% of all technical failures.  

The leading reason for usability failure is “No Authentication,” accounting for ~75.7% of all usability failures. This error occurs due to user negligence or an overly complex charging app. The second most common usability failure is “Cable Not Connected” at ~13.8% of all usability failures, simply meaning the end-user forgot to plug their EV in. User missteps account for ~9.5 % and deauthorized sessions make up just ~1% of all usability failures.  

The key to improving reliability is to reduce user-oriented failures

When these different EV charger success rates are broken down, findings show that 9 out of 100 charging attempts fail due to user error compared to just 3 out of 100 due to technical errors. To put it another way, user-oriented errors make up 81% of failures, compared to just 19% caused by technical faults.  

The high prevalence of user-oriented errors suggests efforts to optimize the EV charging experience are best focused on improving charger usability. This requires measures by EV charger manufacturers and CPOs to educate EV drivers about how to successfully conduct a charging session, which can come in the form of improved charging apps, site designs and more intuitive charger design. 

In our upcoming blog post, we will delve deeper into the specific actions that CPOs and charger manufacturers can take to improve the reliability of chargers and guide EV drivers toward a seamless experience at the charging station. 

Read more about our findings about charging success rates in public charging in our new white paper. 

Written by

Mikko Veikkolainen

Vice President of Research and Innovation, Kempower 

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Navigating AFIR: A Guide to Compliant Electric Vehicle Charging Solutions https://kempower.com/afir/ Tue, 01 Oct 2024 06:43:49 +0000 https://kempower.com/?p=53556 The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is accelerating across Europe, driven by environmental regulations and growing consumer demand for greener transportation options. With the EU keen on accelerating the transition, new regulation is on the horizon.

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Navigating AFIR: A guide to compliant electric vehicle charging solutions

The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is accelerating across Europe, driven by environmental regulations and growing consumer demand for greener transportation options. With the EU keen on accelerating the transition, new regulation is on the horizon.

One of the most significant developments in the regulation landscape is the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR). AFIR is a critical framework that will shape the future of EV infrastructure across the continent. In this blog post, we dive into AFIR and its implications for EV charging stakeholders.

What is AFIR?

The Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) (full text)is a key component of the European Union’s Fit for 55 strategy to reduce the EU’s emissions by 55% by 2030. Introduced by the European Commission, AFIR sets out mandatory targets and requirements for the deployment of sufficient alternative fuels across the EU. For example, it sets the targets for the number of plugs and power for EV charging stations across the main transportation routes in the EU.  

The regulation aims to ensure that adequate infrastructure is in place to support the widespread adoption of EVs. The goal is to reduce range anxiety and promote consumer confidence in making the switch to electric mobility.

AFIR’s key clauses

AFIR includes several important provisions that every CPO (charge point operator), retailer or other company that provides public charging for cars or trucks should be aware of:

Mandatory installation of EV charging stations
AFIR requires the installation of EV charging stations at strategic locations, including retail outlets, parking facilities, and along major transportation corridors. The regulation specifies the minimum number of charging stations that must be installed based on the size and type of the facility.

From 2025 onwards, and with full coverage by 2030, fast recharging stations of at least 350 kW for electric trucks and other heavy-duty electric vehicles need to be installed every 60 km along the TEN-T core network and every 100 km of the more extensive TEN-T comprehensive network. 

From 2025 onwards, DC fast recharging stations of at least 150 kW for electric cars and vans need to be installed every 60 km along the trans-European transport (TEN-T) network.

Trans-European transport (TEN-T) network.
Trans-European transport (TEN-T) network – AFIR map

Technical standards


To ensure interoperability and ease of use, AFIR establishes specific technical standards for charging stations. These standards cover aspects such as charging speed, payment methods, and user access, ensuring that infrastructure is user-friendly and compatible with a wide range of EVs.

  • EV drivers must be able to pay for DC fast charging easily by using their payment cards or contactless devices without the need for a subscription. By 2027, all fast chargers (50 kW and above) must be equipped with payment card readers. Existing chargers must be retrofitted accordingly.
  •  Charging operators must digitally provide drivers with full information on the availability, waiting times, and prices (per kWh, minute or session) of charging. Pricing must be transparent and comparable.
  • Charging station operators must provide real-time data on charger availability, status and usage through an open-access application programming interface (API).
  • Operators must submit data to National Access Points. These are digital interfaces set up by Member States to facilitate the exchange and reuse of transport-related data.
  • Charging stations must provide improved accessibility for people with reduced mobility.
  • All new or renovated chargers must support smart charging, i.e. chargers must be able to adjust the electricity delivered to the vehicle in real-time based on data received via electronic communication. This includes helping to balance the electricity grid by shifting charging times to off-peak hours or reducing charging speeds during peak demand.

AFIR also encourages the use of charging technologies that can interact with energy markets by adjusting charging rates based on real-time electricity prices and grid demand.   

Compliance timelines


AFIR provides specific timelines for compliance, with deadlines for the installation of charging points varying by location and facility type. Most of these deadlines fall between 2025 and 2030.

Other vehicles and vessels

AFIR also paves the way for hydrogen refueling stations and expedites port electrification.

  • Maritime ports with a large number of passenger or container vessels must provide shore-side electricity for the vessels by 2030.
  • Airports need to be able to provide electricity to aircrafts at all gates by 2025 and at remote stands by 2030. 
  • Hydrogen refueling stations need to be installed from 2030 onwards in urban nodes and every 200 km along the TEN-T core network.

Why is AFIR important?

AFIR represents both a regulatory obligation and a significant business opportunity supported by potential subsidies. AFIR will drive the expansion of a pan-European charging network, helping your business thrive in an increasingly electrified world.

Driving foot traffic and customer loyalty

Installing AFIR-compliant EV charging stations can be a powerful tool for attracting customers. As EV adoption increases, drivers are actively seeking out destinations where they can charge their vehicles while they shop or dine.

By offering this service, charging point operators (CPOs) and retailers can increase foot traffic and encourage customers to spend more time at their location, ultimately boosting sales.

Enhancing brand image and sustainability

In today’s market, consumers are increasingly prioritizing sustainability. By installing AFIR-compliant charging stations, CPOs and retailers can position themselves as leaders in environmental responsibility. This can enhance brand image, attract eco-conscious customers, and differentiate the business from competitors.

Accessing incentives and financial subsidies

Compliance with AFIR can also unlock financial benefits. CEF(Connecting Europe Facility)is one of the funding instruments related to AFIR’s goals. CEF supports the development of trans-European networks in transport, energy, and digital services.

AFIF (Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility) is a specific funding mechanism under the CEF. AFIF is specifically designed to support the development and deployment of alternative fuel infrastructure. For eligible companies, AFIF can cover 50–70% of the costs of setting up charging stations, up to 30,000€ for 150 kW chargers and 60,000€ for 350 kW chargers. 

These financial supports can help offset the initial investment costs and improve the return on investment.

Overcoming challenges in AFIR compliance

While the benefits of AFIR compliance are clear, the path to achieving it can be challenging.

Technical and logistical hurdles

The primary challenge is ensuring that EV charging stations meet AFIR’s technical specifications in the short and long terms. This includes considerations such as the charging speed, the number of charging points required, and the integration of these stations into existing facilities without disrupting normal operations. Space constraints and the potential need for electrical upgrades to support the charging infrastructure should also be considered.

Navigating the regulatory landscape

Staying up-to-date with evolving regulations is crucial for ongoing compliance. Companies should be proactive in monitoring changes to AFIR and related regulations to ensure they remain compliant. Companies should also seek information about potential subsidies for their charging station investments.

The role of Kempower in supporting AFIR compliance

To capitalize on the opportunities AFIR presents, partnering with a trusted provider of EV charging solutions is essential. Kempower is a leading EV charging solutions provider. We offer a range of products and services designed to meet the exacting standards set by AFIR.

Kempower’s charging solutions are flexible and scalable to comply with short-term targets while also making it easy to expand your charging station to comply with long-term targets without changing the equipment. This makes our charging solutions a smart investment for the future.  

Kempower’s solutions provide scalable, reliable, and user-friendly fast charging stations that enhance customer experience. We can also provide payment terminals (Worldline Valina and Payter Apollo) that ensure full compliance with AFIR.

AFIR sets targets for both the short and the long term. Kempower’s charging solutions are flexible and scalable to comply with short-term targets while also making it easy to expand your charging station to comply with long-term targets without changing the equipment. This makes our charging solutions a smart investment for the future.  

With a strong focus on innovation and customer support, Kempower can help you integrate EV charging infrastructure seamlessly into your operations.

Conclusion

The implementation of AFIR marks a significant step towards a sustainable future, with little range anxiety for EV drivers across the EU’s main highways.

As the deadline for compliance approaches, now is the time for decision-makers to act. Partnering with experts like Kempower can simplify the process, ensuring that your business meets regulatory requirements and thrives in the emerging electric vehicle ecosystem.

Don’t wait – embrace the future of transportation today by investing in AFIR-compliant EV charging solutions.

If you want to know more about AFIR compliant Kempower solutions, get in touch with Kempower sales.

Written by

Oscar Sánchez Valverde

Segment Owner, Public Charging

Written by

Moritz Vornfeld

Segment Owner, Fleets

The post Navigating AFIR: A Guide to Compliant Electric Vehicle Charging Solutions appeared first on Kempower.

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How Kempower commits to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals https://kempower.com/un-sustainable-development-goals/ Thu, 26 Sep 2024 07:32:51 +0000 https://kempower.com/?p=53701 At Kempower, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. By committing to sustainability both through electrifying transportation and the way we run our own operations, we can proudly say that Kempower’s positive handprint exceeds the footprint of our products.

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How Kempower commits to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals

At Kempower, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. By committing to sustainability both through electrifying transportation and the way we run our own operations, we can proudly say that Kempower’s positive handprint exceeds the footprint of our products. 

How do we achieve this? To make the huge subject of sustainability simpler, we have defined our key commitments into three pillars. These form three overarching targets through which we aim to improve our sustainability contributions:

  • Committed to 100% carbon neutrality
  • Responsible products, enabling a society powered by 100% electric transportation
  • Create the best workplace for future professionals

While building these pillars, we were inspired by the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), several of which naturally fit into these pillars. Our dedicated sustainability team uses the corresponding SDGs as inspiration when setting concrete goals to aim towards.

3 years on from first setting these goals, we want to share the progress we have already achieved toward them and outline the exciting plans we have for the future.

Committed to 100% carbon neutrality

Reducing emissions and achieving carbon neutrality is at the core of Kempower’s mission. We want to build a society powered by fully electric transportation, making the world cleaner and more sustainable, and that means minimizing our own carbon footprint. Kempower’s long-term target is to be 100% carbon neutral.

Sustainable Development Goal 7 – affordable and green energy – strongly corresponds to this pillar. We are committed to annually reducing our relative carbon footprint per EUR 1 million of sales and plan to use 100% fossil free electricity in all locations by 2025. We have established a carbon footprint calculator according to the GHG Protocol to help us measure progress and set realistic goals towards this ambitious target.

Goal 13 – climate action – also relates to our commitment to reducing emissions at every stage of our operations. Here we strive for another ambitious goal: Kempower aims for 100% recyclability in our own operations. Our strategy is to reduce Kempower’s plastic packaging by 50% by 2025 compared to 2021’s level by transferring to bio and biodegradable plastics where economically viable. We also aim to transition to using more green electricity and green heat, and shorten transportation distances for our supplies. 

Responsible products enabling a society powered by 100% electric transportation

Beyond Kempower as a business, we look to the society we wish to build.  We have faith in the power of our product to transform our world for the better.

Goal 11 – sustainable cities and communities – is very pertinent to this vision. Kempower already significantly reduces carbon emissions in urban areas by enabling the DC fast charging of electric vehicles and machines. Features such as Kempower ChargEye further support sustainable urban planning by providing valuable data about EV driver behavior and patterns.

Kempower is also committed to being a front-runner in clean tech, investing in continuous technology development and innovations, which is why Goal 12 – responsible consumption and production – resonates with us. Our commitment to Goal 12 starts with our own product. One way we achieve this is by designing our chargers to last: Our cloud-based monitoring system, Kempower ChargEye, ensures that updates and maintenance needs of our IoT chargers can be monitored and updated remotely, extending the life cycle of Kempower charging solutions. Looking even further ahead, we have set an ambitious target of 99% end of lifetime recyclability rate for all Kempower chargers, which we have already achieved in the Kempower Movable Charger, Kempower Satellite and Kempower Power Unit, which all have impressive recycling rates of above 99.6%.

The best workplace for future professionals

Last but not least, our final pillar is dedicated to making our workplace the best possible place to work for our employees. In 2023, Kempower joined the United Nations (UN) Global Compact initiative, a voluntary leadership platform for developing, implementing and disclosing responsible business practices. Through this, we show our commitment to 10 universally accepted human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption principles, about which we report to the UN annually. Other ways we honor our responsibility toward the Kempower team is by committing to Goal 3 – good health and well-being – and Goal 4 – quality education.

In the spirit of Goal 3 – good health and well-being – Kempower strives to promote a diverse and safe work environment with a family-friendly working culture. It is important to us to offer healthcare that supports both physical and mental health. This means providing an occupational healthcare system. For example, we are committed to reducing and maintaining the Total Recordable Injuries (TRI) rate at 0 through important work such as providing first aid skills to our staff, aiming at 100% share of trained personnel. 

It also means looking after our employees outside of work. We offer team leisure activities – popular clubs with Kempower include volleyball, floorball, ski jumping, cross country skiing and padel – and give employees the opportunity to do 8 hours of optional volunteer work each year. We recently introduced a DEIB (diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging) policy to formalize our commitment to building a team which is both diverse and inclusive. 

Goal 4 – quality education – also closely aligns with Kempower’s vision of building a strong future workplace. We want to attract and nurture the best talents on the job market now and in the future and recognize the need to adapt our work environment to serve the needs of future generations. To do this we provide trainee positions every year and numerous first jobs for recent graduates. Our close cooperation with schools and universities results in us mutually benefitting from their talent and research. For example, our proud partnership with LUT university in Lahti has resulted in the Kempower Electric Mobility Research Center (EMRC), a common research center which aims to strengthen cross-disciplinary research on electric transportation and to develop education to meet the future needs of the industry. We also grant many of Kempower’s traineeship and summer positions to LUT University students, enabling us to benefit from the university’s rich R&D tradition.

Living our mission and purpose

Building a sustainable future is the driving vision for everything we do at Kempower, so aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals is a natural choice for us. Led by our dedicated sustainability team with support from the wider team, we will continue to measure our progress and set new goals toward our key pillars of carbon neutrality, responsible products and building the best possible workplace.

By working towards achieving these goals at Kempower, we hope to establish a workplace where our employees feel a sense of belonging and purpose, driven by our mission to build a cleaner and more sustainable world.

Written by

Johanna Kilpi-Koski

Sustainability Manager, Kempower

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A solution for every scenario: How Kempower is preparing for the electric truck revolution  https://kempower.com/a-solution-for-every-scenario/ Thu, 11 Jul 2024 07:33:23 +0000 https://kempower.com/?p=49259 Electric trucks are growing in popularity globally, with commercial fleets expected to make up two-thirds of the EV market’s total value by 2030. With traditional heavy-duty trucks accounting for more than 25% of the total CO2 emissions from road transport, their sustainability credentials make e-trucks an attractive alternative to diesel trucks. 

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A solution for every scenario: How Kempower is preparing for the electric truck revolution

Electric trucks are growing in popularity globally, with commercial fleets expected to make up two-thirds of the EV market’s total value by 2030. With traditional heavy-duty trucks accounting for more than 25% of the total CO2 emissions from road transport, their sustainability credentials make e-trucks an attractive alternative to diesel trucks.  

Since electric trucks are set to be the next big thing in the electric transition, CPOs and fleet owners need to start preparing now by investing in future-proof charging solutions for truck fleets.  

However, charging truck fleets is an entirely different game to charging passenger cars or even other large vehicles like buses. The size of trucks and nature of their work mean they encounter very different charging scenarios, which require new solutions. 

In this article, we’ll cover the key charging scenarios electric trucks encounter and explain how Kempower has developed solutions to meet the challenges our customers regularly face in each scenario. We’ll also dive deeper into the added benefits Kempower offers over competitors and share our plans for the future of truck charging. 

What are the different electric truck charging scenarios?

Kempower has identified three main types of charging scenarios that heavy-duty trucks are likely to encounter, all of which require different solutions. These are: 

  • Overnight charging – the most common truck charging scenario. Overnight charging will generally take place for trucks completing local and regional trips over 6- 8 hours at a truck depot or public overnight charging stops, so requires low levels of DC power at around 50-100kW. 
  • Destination charging – a scenario specific to electric trucks, this approach takes place at distribution warehouses or logistics centers where trucks with a longer distance to travel than their range allows are unloaded or loaded on the job. Short bursts of high-power charging between 150-400kW are needed during these limited idle and unloading times, which average from 30 minutes to two hours.  
  • On-the-move charging – lasting around 30-45 minutes (in line with regulatory rest breaks for truck drivers in Europe and North America), these short charging sessions occur at truck stops and around urban nodes on long-haul routes. In this scenario, the charging window is sometimes so short that only power over a megawatt will meet the demands of electric trucks in the future. 

 

Overcoming space concerns 

Power is not the only factor to consider when choosing a truck charging set-up. Something that unites every scenario is a lack of space. Most truck charging locations were not initially built with truck charging in mind, meaning there is often little space leftover to build charging infrastructure. CPOs or fleet owners shouldn’t have to compromise by sacrificing other facilities like parking spaces to make space for chargers, with each lost parking space translating into significant financial losses for operators. That’s why all our solutions are designed with space saving in mind. 

For sites with very limited space, such as logistics centers or warehouses as well as public overnight charging stops, we offer the Kempower Control Unit, which can be placed on overhead gantries up to 80m away from the power unit. A cable management system can then be attached to dispense chargers from above, saving valuable space at the charging site. 

For sites with slightly more available space, we offer the Kempower Satellite. With a footprint comparable to an A4 piece of paper and a charging cable on each side, these chargers can easily be placed between two parked trucks, meaning minimal space is taken up and chargers don’t interfere with truck maneuvering. Offering up to 400kW, they are well-suited to overnight charging and destination charging scenarios. 

We use multimodality to future-proof your offering 

Another benefit Kempower offers is dynamic power sharing between chargers. This means power is shared across multiple Kempower dispensers to allocate the optimal amount of power between all vehicles being charged at any time. This minimizes charging times for drivers and cuts idle power wastage, making it highly cost-efficient for CPOs. Furthermore, Kempower’s dynamic power sharing solution minimizes charging downtime because power is shared in 25kW increments. In the case of a failure, only a 25kW power drop occurs – something which is unique to the market and is the key to Kempower chargers’ average uptime of 99%. 

Dynamic power sharing also enables the multimodality of our charging system. Power is shared between all dispensers, no matter which type, meaning we can switch our chargers to become ‘opportunity chargers’ or ‘overnight chargers’ depending on the scenario. For example, at a truck charging site, the CPO could offer opportunity-style charging in the day by allocating high levels of power to trucks stopping by for a short time. Then at nighttime, the chargers can be programmed to offer low levels of DC power in a public overnight charging scenario. By giving CPOs the flexibility to address multiple charging scenarios depending on demand, operators can significantly boost their utilization. 

And when multiple vehicles are connected at one time, our dynamic system distributes energy between dispensers depending on need, maximizing grid connection and energy utilization. This system is much more efficient compared to a standalone static system and maximizes charger utilization.  

Megawatt charging for the future of truck fleets

We’re always looking to the future of truck charging, to help operators get ahead of the curve. That is why we’ve launched our megawatt charging system (MCS) to boost the availability of on-the-move and destination charging for long-haul trucks. With megawatt charging, operators will be able to offer high-power charging in very short time windows. As a transition time towards full MCS adoption can be expected in the market, Kempower believes in a combined MCS/CCS approach. Thus, the new Kempower Mega Satellite will be available as 1500A MCS or 700A high-power CCS configuration respectively. 

Integrating Kempower’s MCS into charging sites will be simple. Our existing customers with 600kW power units can upgrade their charging sites to megawatt charging without installing new charging infrastructure from scratch, by adding another 600kW power unit to their sites. Customers can then connect the new Kempower Mega Satellite to two 600kW power units to unlock megawatt charging of up to 1.2 megawatts for electric trucks instantly. The system will also be compatible with our dynamic power sharing technology, making our solutions more flexible than ever. The first Mega Satellites will be shipped later in 2024, so it’s something to consider when deciding to build a future-proof charging site. 

Which solution is best for my situation? 

Now that we have clarified the most common charging scenarios, and covered why Kempower’s solutions are ideal for truck charging, which electric truck charging strategy is best for each scenario? Of course, it will vary slightly depending on the situation, but we recommend: 

  • Overnight charging – Depending on availability of space, either the Kempower control unit with manual or automatic cable management or Kempower Satellites on the ground. With up to 240kW and 400kW respectively, these options provide sufficient power for trucks being charged for up to 8 hours, and our cable management system options save space by dispensing charging cables from above. 
  • Destination charging – Space is likely to be even more of a factor even in this case, so the Kempower control unit with cable management coming from above is probably best. If space is not a concern, our liquid cooled satellite is a good choice for trucks, delivering a continuous 500 A charging current and achieving optimal power levels of 400 kW or more. 
  • On-the-move charging – Power is the main demand in this scenario, so our liquid-cooled satellite with 400kW is a great choice. Looking to the future. Kempower’s Megawatt charging system is even more ideal, offering a maximum of 1.2 megawatts at any one time. With a dual MCS/CCS approach, customers can add MCS Mega Satellites or High-Power CCS Mega Satellites to the same platform and thus create maximum flexibility.

Written by

Moritz Vornfeld

Segment Owner Fleets, Kempower

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Sustainability reporting – How Kempower reports on sustainability and why it is important  https://kempower.com/how-kempower-reports-on-sustainability/ Wed, 29 May 2024 09:36:36 +0000 https://kempower.com/?p=47070 Reporting sustainability data is a big undertaking for any company. To do it properly requires money and time, but it's important to get it right. This is because sustainability reporting is a key way to build relationships between companies and stakeholders - supplying investors with key KPIs, enabling customers to make informed decisions and demonstrating a company’s commitment to ethical values to potential employees. 

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Sustainability reporting – How Kempower reports on sustainability and why it is important 

Reporting sustainability data is a big undertaking for any company. To do it properly requires money and time, but it’s important to get it right. This is because sustainability reporting is a key way to build relationships between companies and stakeholders – supplying investors with key KPIs, enabling customers to make informed decisions and demonstrating a company’s commitment to ethical values to potential employees. 

Eager to improve transparency between Kempower and our stakeholders, we published our first sustainability report in 2023. This felt natural to us as a company, because sustainability is at the very heart of Kempower’s business. Our fast-charging technology delivers emissions-free mobility on the road toward a cleaner, safer and carbon-neutral society, so it should follow that our operations have a minimal environmental footprint. Our 2023 report adhered to the latest ESRS standards and was made with the intention of increasing transparency and improving our ESG performance. 

Why have we further developed our sustainability reporting? 

In 2024 the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) came into force, making sustainability reporting an obligation. All large companies and listed companies are now required by EU law to assess the impact of their activities on people and the environment. They are also required to disclose information on what they see as the financial risks and opportunities for the company arising from social and environmental issues in what is called a Double Materiality Assessment (DMA). This legislation, which was enforced in January 2024, is part of the European Green Deal and aims to help investors, civil society organizations, consumers and other stakeholders evaluate the sustainability performance of companies that participate. 

At Kempower we celebrated this news, knowing it would spur other companies to embrace sustainability transparency. It also meant we had to alter our sustainability reporting slightly, to comply with the set requirements of the CSRD.  

What have we done already? 

As a large company, we are part of the ‘first wave’ of companies required to submit a CSRD-compliant report in 2025. Having already created our own sustainability report in 2023, we are building on this foundation and putting extra tools in place to comply with the CSRD. For example, we have recently grown our sustainability team to increase knowledge of sustainability practices and resources across the team. Part of their role is to assess Kempower’s readiness to implement the CSRD Directive and ensure we complete it to the highest standard. 

We have also begun highlighting our social responsibility process, by renewing our Labor and Human rights policy. This is important because social responsibility is a key pillar of sustainability. While, as an EV charger company, most of our impact is environmental, it is important to also maintain and report on the social impact of our operations. 

Additionally, we are carrying out a Scope 3 inventory internally to find out more about our Scope 3 emissions. We believe it is important to assess not only the emissions we are directly responsible for but those we are indirectly responsible for across our value chain. In 2023, we sent our first-tier supplier pre-questionnaires to collect reliable emissions-related data and other critical environmental data collection and performance information to help us further enhance our Scope 3 reporting in 2024 and beyond. This data will help us start the process of working more closely with our suppliers to reduce emissions and other negative environmental impacts in the supply chain. Our Scope 3 reporting forms a key part of our DMA. 

The added value of sustainability reporting 

Intensified sustainability reporting will benefit both our customers and investors. We aim to be completely transparent with our stakeholders about Kempower’s impacts, risks and opportunities, and sustainability reporting enables this. Stakeholders can refer to our reports in their decision-making processes and other large companies can use our data as a benchmark for their own sustainability efforts.  

In our value chain, we are a forerunner for sustainability reporting, as exemplified by our in-depth 2023 sustainability report and proactive efforts to gather Scope 3 emissions data. By being a pinnacle of sustainability reporting and improvement, we want to show that large companies can and should be transparent about their efforts to improve the sustainability of operations at every level. 

Written by

Johanna Kilpi-Koski

Sustainability Manager

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From student of technology to Chief Operations Officer at Kempower https://kempower.com/from-student-of-technology-to-chief-operations-officer/ Fri, 24 May 2024 05:22:34 +0000 https://kempower.com/?p=46710 Sanna is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Kempower and a former student of technology. She graduated from Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology with a thesis in energy technology & electric power systems.

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From student of technology to Chief Operations Officer at Kempower

We talked with an inspiring person from the Kempower team: Sanna Otava. Sanna is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Kempower and a former student of technology. She graduated from Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology with a thesis in energy technology & electric power systems.  

What does Sanna do as a COO at Kempower? 

As COO, Sanna is responsible for the whole supply chain at Kempower. Her job is to create and develop an operation model that allows the company to produce products in a way that generates the most revenue.   

Sanna was hired in 2019 as employee number one in the operations department, and now she is the head of the department with around 250 employees. 

Stepping into science, technology, engineering and mathematics studies 

Sanna always knew she wanted to study science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This field made the most sense as she found math easy and engineering logical. 

When recalling which subjects during her time at LUT were most relevant to her current job, Sanna shares: 

“On a general level, I don’t think the subject itself is most important. Instead, the fact that you are practicing how to solve problems is key. How you handle all your courses, how you think and learn, those are more important for your professional career.” 

As for extra-curricular activities, Sanna was a leader of the Guild of the Energy Technology Students and a leader of different sports clubs. She believes participating in organizations like these teaches you how to cooperate with others and coordinate projects. 

Trusting the process in her career path 

Sanna’s first post-university job was at a patent and technology company as a Patent Engineer. This field for intellectual property rights requires very specific knowledge and skills. That’s when Sanna knew she wanted to move towards the more industrial sector in order to “widen her role and responsibilities.”   

Throughout her career, Sanna has worked in IPR, Telecomms, and Manufacturing industries as an Engineer, Project Manager, Business Development Manager, Director of Operations – and now, Chief Operating Officer. 

 Sanna shares that she didn’t plan her career path too strictly. 

It was important to make strategic decisions that helped her balance family life and her career at different stages, i.e. sometimes turning down higher-up positions, sometimes accepting unexpected roles.  

What’s Sanna’s advice to young professionals? Don’t be too focused on a career path.  

“Balancing is important. Trust that if you do your job very well, all those opportunities will come.” 

Breaking barriers as a woman in science, technology, engineering and math 

Sanna encourages people to work in STEM even if they feel like they won’t “belong.”  

“Trust and believe in yourself. Everybody is needed. If you know that you are skillful, trust your own ideas and how you think. You are important,” Sanna says.  

Sanna goes on to emphasize that staying true to yourself is an important part of bringing diverse experiences to the table: 

“Everyone should be like they are. There’s no need to change who you are. If you want the best outcome, you should be yourself. That’s the key.”  

In closing advice, especially to female STEM students, Sanna shares, “follow your own feelings and your own interests. If you have even some interest in something, just go. Don’t hesitate. Don’t think that you are not good enough. There are no limitations, if you are not adding those limitations yourself.” 

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Port electrification – The challenges and opportunities of an electrified port industry  https://kempower.com/port-electrification-challenges-and-opportunities/ Wed, 22 May 2024 07:46:10 +0000 https://kempower.com/?p=46519 Globally, the port industry is responsible for emitting 10-15 MtCO2e per year - equalling the annual emissions of the whole country of Slovenia. With the International Maritime Organisation committing to a 20-30% reduction in shipping emissions by 2030, progressing to a 70-80% reduction by 2040, and the success of the electric transition on the roads demonstrating the benefits to be gained from switching to electric power, port electrification is inevitable.

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Port electrification – The challenges and opportunities of an electrified port industry 

Globally, the port industry is responsible for emitting 10-15 MtCO2e per year – equalling the annual emissions of the whole country of Slovenia. With the International Maritime Organisation committing to a 20-30% reduction in shipping emissions by 2030, progressing to a 70-80% reduction by 2040, and the success of the electric transition on the roads demonstrating the benefits to be gained from switching to electric power, port electrification is inevitable. The marine industry is nearing a tipping point, but this will require cooperation from the entire ports ecosystem, from operators, OEMs, port authorities and policy makers. 

Why should ports electrify? 

The foremost advantage of electrifying ports is reducing emissions. Building upon the Paris Agreement, many ports are committing to their own net zero targets, as industry leaders accept that a ports industry powered by fossil fuels will soon be untenable. As regulations tighten and we move closer to surpassing the crucial 1.5°C threshold target, port operators need to invest in a greener port industry now, before it is too late.  

By electrifying the many heavy-duty machines that serve the port industry, including delivery trucks, straddle carriers and terminal tractors, entire supply chains will be decarbonized, helping businesses and nations achieve emissions reduction targets. 

But the move towards electrifying ports is not only being driven by the race against climate change. There are many benefits to be gained for operators and local communities. The U.S. Maritime Administration’s 2020 report finds that port electrification can produce increased economic output and employment in most regions. In addition, the local noise and air pollution reduction will improve the quality of life of port workers and local people. Meanwhile, operators will benefit from lower operating and maintenance costs. 

What’s more, electrification solutions are available right now. Battery electric power is the most affordable and accessible form of decarbonization technology available to vehicles in the ports industry, and charging infrastructure can easily be incorporated into the closed areas that ports offer. Battery electric’s main competitor – hydrogen electric power – won’t be available commercially until 2030, and carries higher costs, including a higher TCO. Furthermore, green hydrogen is widely unavailable, today representing less than 1% of global hydrogen supply, whereas battery electric power relies on the existing electrical grid. 

Overcoming obstacles on the path to port electrification 

The benefits of port electrification are clear. So why are ports not already completely electrified? There are still some barriers to the transition which are causing port operators to hesitate before fully committing to the transition. The good news is that all of these obstacles can be overcome, with Kempower developing solutions to many of these issues. 

1. Cost efficiency

The most common concern for port operators is cost. Ports terminal operator APM Terminals, which has recently committed to become net zero by 2040, predicts that battery electric vehicles (BEVs) will cost on average 14 – 34% more than a diesel equivalent in 2030. This is largely due to the periods of downtime associated with battery electric vehicles. 

From the charging perspective, the key to closing the total cost of ownership gap between diesel vehicles and BEVs is to reduce downtime. Reducing downtime can be achieved through efficient charging design. At Kempower, this includes modular charging design, a responsive software backend and ultra-fast and megawatt charging options. 

Moreover, equipment prices are set to fall as developments in battery technology advance and OEM batch sizes increase. Once introduced, new technology standards for battery packs, management systems and charging solutions will help streamline production and deployment processes. Standardization of charging equipment, which many key port players support – including Kempower – will also decrease TCO calculations. Therefore prices associated with BEVs could drop significantly within just a few years: APM Terminals and DP World predict that battery-electric terminal tractors, reach stackers and straddle carriers can all achieve TCO parity within this decade. 

2. Diverse port operations 

Another unique challenge to the ports is the fact that they are home to many different operations at any one time. Ports are sites to freight trucks delivering goods, terminal tractors transporting containers and straddle carriers organizing shipping containers, to name a few. When all of these vehicles are battery electric, they have different charging needs and need to be kept moving. 

This is where an advanced charging management system is crucial. For example, Kempower ChargEye charging management system offers remote monitoring, enabling operators to maintain a constant overview of charging activities at a site and respond quickly to charging issues – all leading to a decrease in charging downtime. Furthermore, charging software’s ability to optimize uptime means that, when combined with high power charging, it can unlock a competitive TCO.   

Automatic connection devices (ACDs) are another solution to the range of different opearations at ports. In a fast-moving environment, transitions between charging sessions need to be quick. This is particularly true in opportunity charging scenarios, such as a 15 minute charging window as buses load up for their next journey. ACDs, by eliminating the need to manually connect and disconnect chargers from the vehicles, optimize precious charging time. Moreover, ACDs are essential in some countries where regulation prevents drivers from connecting chargers themselves as a safety precaution. 

3. Future-proofing port electrification 

As technology develops, ports that invest in electrification are only going to encounter more opportunities to boost productivity. It is therefore important that port operators have the flexibility to invest in the best charging technology for their site. To achieve this, the current charging set-up of ports needs to be adjusted. 

Among ports that have already adopted battery electric charging, many have invested in tailor-made chargers specific to certain BEVs. This is not sustainable for an industry with such diverse operations, as it creates interoperability issues between machines and chargers and can limit the choice of electric vehicles ports can invest in as they grow. Instead, operators should invest in standardized charging solutions that can serve a range of vehicles.  

Open charging standards will remove this issue, by making it compulsory for all vehicle OEMs and charging manufacturers to use only approved open standards across all vehicles. Kempower aligns itself with standardization groups trying to make these open standards the law. Open standards will give port operators more flexibility and enable the electric port industry to evolve at pace. 

An electrified ports industry is on the horizon 

The port industry’s potential to contribute significantly to net zero goals and unlock productivity gains for port operators is huge. Innovative vehicle OEMs and charging manufacturers like Kempower have already laid the groundwork for widespread port electrification. The technology for an efficient transition already exists, meaning now is a great time for port operators to commit to an electrified port industry. 

Written by

Jesse Makkonen

Segment Owner, Marine & Port, Kempower 

Written by

Joseph Moore

Sales Manager

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Kempower CEO: Tesla’s staffing changes both significant and noteworthy https://kempower.com/teslas-decision-to-exit-the-charging-market-significant-and-noteworthy/ Thu, 16 May 2024 08:27:22 +0000 https://kempower.com/?p=46366 As the CEO of a company who is dedicated to the advancement of DC fast charging technology for electric vehicles and who just recently made a large investment in the North American market, I find Tesla’s recent decision to exit the DC fast charging market both significant and noteworthy. Certainly, the announcement caught the industry off guard. Tesla has been the pioneer in setting up North America’s fast charging infrastructure, and their decision may cast some doubt in some minds about the future of the build-out of fast charging networks.

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Kempower CEO: Tesla’s staffing changes both significant and noteworthy

Tesla’s staffing changes both significant and noteworthy


As the CEO of a company dedicated to the advancement of DC fast charging technology for electric vehicles and that just recently made a large investment in the North American market, I find Tesla’s recent decision to make staffing changes both significant and noteworthy. Certainly, the announcement caught the industry off guard. 

Tesla has been the pioneer in setting up North America’s fast charging infrastructure, and their decision may cast doubt in some minds about the future of the build-out of fast charging networks considering the changes to their supercharger team. However, while this move will introduce short-term uncertainties, it underscores a pivotal moment for the electric vehicle (EV) industry, and opens the door to opportunities for other players.

North America already has mature alternatives

Tesla’s changes will inevitably lead to delays and require quick adaptations and solutions from others in the market. The announcement is still fresh, but the impact is already being felt in the industry. I have heard stories of some players scrambling to change plans and find new solutions given Tesla’s announcements. Fortunately, the EV market has matured significantly in North America and Tesla’s decision opens the door for new companies to fill the void with innovative technologies, encouraging diversity and resilience within the market.   

North American EV manufacturing continues to grow

Despite staffing changes, it seems that Tesla continues to drive forward with ambitious plans for its electric vehicles. The company’s commitment to increase EV production and sales remains unshaken. This signifies a robust demand for DC fast charging solutions, irrespective of Tesla’s role in providing the charging infrastructure. As EV manufacturing continues to grow, the need for a reliable and efficient DC fast charging network will continue to increase in North America.

The North American EV market, despite facing its share of challenges, continues to expand. Consumer demand is increasing, governmental policies, at all levels, are becoming more supportive, and automotive manufacturers are continuing to invest heavily in electric mobility. This expansion is not just limited to passenger vehicles but also increasingly encompasses commercial vehicles which make up a disproportionate amount of vehicle emissions. If commercial vehicles are to be electrified, DC fast charging is the only option.

The electrification of commercial vehicles will be a key market driver

In fact, the transition towards electric commercial vehicles highlights perhaps the most important phase for the DC fast charging sector. Commercial vehicles, ranging from delivery vans to heavy trucks, require fast, robust charging infrastructure to ensure efficient operation. The deployment of DC fast charging stations capable of handling high power demands is critical to support this shift, promising substantial growth and opportunities in this sector, but most importantly providing a path towards a greener, more sustainable future. 

A significant player’s staffing changes present short-term challenges, but the long-term outlook for EV’s and EV charging infrastructure in North America remains overwhelmingly positive. As the market evolves, it will continue to offer abundant opportunities for innovation and growth. The future is bright for electric vehicles, the networks that power them, the companies that support them, and the customers who drive them. As industry leaders, we are committed to advancing this vision, ensuring a sustainable and efficient future for all.

Written by

Tomi Ristimäki

Former CEO, Kempower

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Investing in EV charging stations – how to choose the right location and optimize your retail charging site https://kempower.com/investing-in-ev-charging-stations-how-to-choose-the-right-location-and-optimize-your-retail-charging-site/ Wed, 15 May 2024 07:02:21 +0000 https://kempower.com/?p=46109 Whether you are overseeing a handful of retail sites or managing an entire retail chain, the strategic initiation of your EV charging infrastructure rollout is of paramount importance. Factoring in the constraints of both time and financial resources, retailers must carefully pinpoint optimal locations to commence their electrification journey. This deliberate approach will not only minimize opportunity cost but also enable operators to swiftly establish a notable presence in the evolving EV charging landscape.  

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Investing in EV charging stations – how to choose the right location and optimize your retail charging site 

Whether you are overseeing a handful of retail sites or managing an entire retail chain, the strategic initiation of your EV charging infrastructure rollout is of paramount importance. Factoring in the constraints of both time and financial resources, retailers must carefully pinpoint optimal locations to commence their electrification journey. This deliberate approach will not only minimize opportunity cost but also enable operators to swiftly establish a notable presence in the evolving EV charging landscape.  

Retailers have a golden opportunity to enhance their offerings and attract a growing community of EV drivers. This blog post aims to provide retailers with tips and considerations to make informed decisions, ensuring a smooth and efficient rollout that maximizes return on investment. 

1. Understand how EV drivers will charge at your location 

Before diving into site selection, retailers must define the kind of EV charging experience they want to offer. Will it be a convenient opportunity charging solution for shoppers, or is the site location well-positioned for highway and traffic junction charging? The nature of the offering will impact power requirements and the overall feasibility of the site. 

2. Consider what services EV drivers are looking for 

Since charging requirements mean EV drivers often have longer dwell times compared to traditional ICE vehicles, EV drivers are seeking out various new services, ranging from restroom facilities to convenient parking and a welcoming environment. Moreover, when seamlessly integrated with primary tasks like weekly grocery shopping, charging can be transformed into a complementary activity. There’s a growing demand for opportunistic charging among EV drivers, so retailers have a unique opportunity to enhance customer satisfaction by integrating charging services into their core offerings. 

3. Analyze customer behavior 

Understanding the driving habits of your customers is crucial. Are they likely to drive to your store, and what are peak times for visiting the car park? Knowing the average time customers spend at your store helps tailor the charging offering to match their dwell time, optimizing the charging experience for both parties. 

4. Assess local EV presence 

Survey the area for the number of EVs and existing public charging infrastructure. A higher concentration of EVs coupled with limited public charging options makes a location more attractive. Even in competitive areas, retailers offering additional services and leveraging the value of customers’ time can stand out. 

5. Understand the residential landscape 

Determine whether your retail site is situated in an area with single-family houses or in a location dominated by condominiums and apartments. The latter scenario may indicate a higher likelihood of success, as residents in houses are likely to have home chargers, making public charging a secondary need. 

6. Explore external traffic opportunities 

Identify external traffic sources that could be attracted to your retail site due to the presence of EV charging. Taxis, last-mile delivery vans, or locations near traffic junctions and highways can add significant value and footfall to your EV charging station. 

7. Evaluate grid capacity and stress 

Assess the electrical grid’s stress in the area compared to your site’s power consumption. If your site has enough power capacity, it becomes a priority for installation. However, if an upgrade is necessary and the local grid is stressed, retailers should consider alternative sites to avoid delays and additional costs. On the other hand, if the chosen location shows significant potential across various metrics but grid power will be an issue, it’s advisable for retailers to promptly initiate the grid expansion application process to accelerate the site’s opening.

Finding solutions to fit your needs 

In instances where a power upgrade is required, retailers can leverage solutions for connecting into low voltage (LV) connection points, which, in many countries, involve fewer challenges and faster implementation. While LV connection points may accommodate fewer chargers or less power per charger, scalable solutions allow retailers to start smaller but still offer high power charging and more plugs and easily expand when the site is ready for a connection upgrade. A dynamic power-sharing solution ensures optimal charging for EV drivers even with restricted power. 

Grow your retail business with EV charging 

Strategic site selection is the cornerstone of a successful EV charging infrastructure rollout for retailers. By prioritizing locations based on customer behavior, amenities, local EV presence, external traffic opportunities and grid capacity, retailers can ensure a more efficient and profitable venture into the electric vehicle charging market. Embracing scalable solutions like those offered by Kempower allows for flexibility and growth, ensuring that your EV charging stations adapt seamlessly to evolving needs while simplifying the process even for low voltage connections. 

This blog offers essential knowledge to kickstart site prioritization and explore viable electrification solutions. Retailers diving deeper into analysis may face data access challenges, but consulting firms and AI tools can help.  

If you’re prepared to take the next step and electrify your site, keep an eye out for the upcoming release of our blog series! 

Written by

Oscar Sánchez Valverde

Segment Owner, Public Charging, Kempower

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Examining the challenges and opportunities of high power truck charging https://kempower.com/examining-the-challenges-and-opportunities-of-high-power-truck-charging/ Thu, 04 Apr 2024 06:32:16 +0000 https://kempower.com/?p=42734 Electric trucks are set to dominate the e-mobility market within the next two decades: According to current estimations, by 2040, 85% of new trucks sold in Europe, the U.S. and China will be zero emission, with electric models making up most of this number.

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Examining the challenges and opportunities of high power truck charging

Electric trucks are set to dominate the e-mobility market within the next two decades: According to current estimations, by 2040, 85% of new trucks sold in Europe, the U.S. and China will be zero emission, with electric models making up most of this number.

However, to hit these targets, we must first build the infrastructure to support a growing electric truck market. Trucks use bigger batteries and require shorter charging sessions than passenger EVs, which means charging infrastructure needs to offer more power. How can we deliver enough power to charge the electric truck evolution?

Taking the lead as an e-mobility innovator

Kempower team has embraced this challenge and lately, we have invested heavily on research and developing cutting-edge charging technology suitable for heavy-duty vehicles. We have revealed some exciting business opportunities associated with electric truck charging. In the future, long-haul transportation operations using electric trucks will be more economical than diesel trucks. Early adopters of decarbonization solutions in mobility will hold a clear advantage in terms of both market share and profitability in the coming years. We are building solutions to accelerate this transition and enable business owners to unlock these economic benefits.

Our team has identified three main charging-related obstacles on the road to an electric truck transition: limited space at charging sites, power constraints, and complicated operations. Crucially, we have also developed the solutions to these problems. This article will demonstrate how these challenges can be overcome, and why investing in high power truck charging is a savvy business decision for any CPO.

Challenge 1: Minimal space for new infrastructure at charging sites

Prime truck charging locations, such as retail parks or rest steps, were not built with truck charging in mind, so often have limited space to fit in additional charging for trucks. But replacing parking spaces with charging stations leads to direct profit losses. Instead of building expensive new sites, operators should be empowered to adapt existing sites to meet the needs of new commercial vehicles customers.

Kempower chargers are built to optimize space. For smaller sites, the Kempower Control Unit is a great choice: the unit is very small and is ideal for overhead charging in cases with very limited space. For sites with slightly more space, the Kempower Satellite offers a footprint similar to a laptop keyboard. With a charging cable on each side, these chargers can easily be placed between two parked trucks, meaning minimal space is taken up, and chargers don’t interfere with truck maneuvering. 

Challenge 2: Power constraints

Trucks need more power than passenger EVs due to having bigger batteries and encountering time-sensitive charging scenarios. However, grid limitations are common, slow to be updated, and largely out of business owners’ control. With power such a crucial element of successful truck charging, charging manufacturers need to address the power constraint problem from two angles: delivering more power and increasing utilization. 

Grid limitations and cost efficiency make power utilization important in all truck charging scenarios. Kempower delivers dynamic charging with all chargers, which means power is distributed according to need. The intelligent distribution system optimizes charging curves and minimizes charging times for customers. By enabling lower power grid connections and cutting idle power wastage, it is also highly cost-efficient for CPOs. 

In certain truck charging scenarios, such as on-the-move and destination charging, short bursts of high power are needed. To serve such use cases, Kempower is developing its Megawatt Charging System (MCS) to deliver powers above 1 MW. Based on the latest Kempower technology, installing Kempower’s MCS is simple: Customers can  connect the new MCS dispenser to two Kempower 600kW power units to instantly unlock powers above 1MW. We are rolling out MCS this year, so operators can be ready for the upcoming electric truck boom.

Challenge 3: Complicated operations

As the commercial vehicle segment expands to include more fleets of heavy-duty vehicles, coordinating charging solutions to serve every use case will become more challenging. Kempower ChargEye, our cloud-based charging management software for EV chargers, makes e-truck management simple and profitable.

A lot of commercial trucks usually travel the same routes. Kempower ChargEye can identify route patterns and plans charging sessions accordingly, to optimize power distribution and ensure trucks receive enough power. Meanwhile, by distributing charging load evenly over time, or by identifying the best times to charge according to tariffs, it minimizes OPEX for operators.

Kempower ChargEye is also compatible with existing IT systems and supports chargers from different equipment manufacturers, making investing in a sophisticated backend a no-brainer for operators wanting to reap the benefits of a growing truck market.

A bright future for the electric truck market

As we are expecting the electric truck charging market to grow heavily in the near future, we are investing a lot to R&D.One example of ongoing research programs is  Kempower’s Heavy Electric Traffic Ecosystem program, funded by Business Finland. Supported by research institutes, and powered by partner companies testing out new solutions, the program leverages the expertise to research and develop cutting-edge charging technology suitable for heavy-duty vehicles.By identifying the key challenges in the road toward high power truck charging, Kempower is working alongside change-makers to develop the solutions. This enables operators to grasp the business opportunities accompanying the growing electric truck market. Building on the foundations laid by research innovative charging solutions developed with our partners, CPOs are set to reap the financial and environmental benefits of the electric truck evolution.

Written by

Tomi Ristimäki

Kempower CEO

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