Kempower aims to position itself among the top five players in the direct current (DC) charging market in Europe and North America by 2030.
To achieve its goals, the company is executing a strategy focused on long-term growth, as the DC charging industry is expected to grow from two billion euros in 2023 to 14 billion euros per year by 2030.
“Expansion into North America is one of the key initiatives in Kempower’s growth strategy,” says Erik Kanerva, Sales Director for Northern Europe, in a conversation with Mobility Portal Europe.
He adds: “We see the DC charging market growing rapidly there, and we successfully entered the market in 2023.”
It’s worth noting that in June, the company opened its state-of-the-art electric vehicle charger manufacturing plant in North Carolina, serving users in the United States and Canada.
Meanwhile, it’s also important to mention that Kempower already holds a strong position in the Nordic countries and is rapidly increasing its market share in the rest of Europe.
When asked about expansion projects, Kanerva reveals: “We will have new charging installations for instance in the Baltic countries. This is something we are planning.”
Although Kempower’s products and software are designed and manufactured in Finland and the United States, its charging solutions have already been delivered to nearly 50 countries across all continents.
Kempower to deliver first MCS solutions
Kempower’s vision is to create the most desired fast-charging solutions for electric vehicles worldwide, for everyone and everywhere.
That’s why, in line with market trends, they aim to stay at the forefront with Megawatt Charging System (MCS) technology, positioning themselves as a leading player in the transition to electric heavy-duty vehicle mobility.
“The product portfolio is a matter of continuous improvement, and the next big step is delivering the first Kempower MCS solutions and Kempower Mega Satellites during Q4 2024,” explains Kanerva.
Why is the future of heavy vehicle charging heading towards MCS?
“The main factor is power. Especially on longer routes, it’s crucial to charge quickly when deliveries are time-sensitive,” says the Sales Director.
He adds: “For example, if transporting goods that need to stay cold for a specific period.”
The reality is that charging often needs to fit in with driving cycles and mandatory rest breaks.
“In Europe, there are mandatory rest periods for truck drivers, as they’re not allowed to drive for more than four consecutive hours,” Kanerva explains.
He continues: “During these breaks, they need to charge – either on motorways or at logistics centres – and the routes must be planned accordingly.”’
However, he acknowledges that one of the main challenges the sector faces is the development of a charging infrastructure specifically designed for trucks.
Another challenge is the speed and pace at which original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) can produce and deliver long-distance trucks to end customers.
During a recent trade fair in Jönköping, Sweden, truck OEMs revealed several significant agreements they had made.
“All of them require charging infrastructure, and we are happy to collaborate with the OEMs to support them in the electrification of transport ,” Kanerva says.
Finally, the Sales Director acknowledges that one of the things that currently supports the industry’s transition to cleaner transport are government incentives.
“However, not all countries have these subsidy programmes,” he adds.
Kempower Advances in Charger Installations Across Europe
Kempower has partnered with Wennstrom to provide fast DC charging solutions for electric trucks to Fastcharge, one of Norway’s leading heavy-duty vehicle charging point operators.
Located in Oslo, it represents the country’s first public charging site dedicated exclusively to trucks.
In the future, it will also be able to power MCS-compatible vehicles.
“This project is progressing very well. In fact, the first Fastcharge site has already been inaugurated,” says Kanerva.
He adds: “Fastcharge plans to open a total of four public charging sites before the end of the year.”
The first charging point in Alnabru, Oslo, inaugurated on 25 July, will be followed by five more in the municipalities of Ringsaker, Sandefjord, Gjesdal, Bergen, and Malvik.
Additionally, Kempower has provided fast-charging solutions for DFDS in Belgium, Sweden, and the Netherlands.
“Kempower, together with its partners, will deploy and install chargers in other European countries, according to each market’s needs. We regularly receive requests,” Kanerva comments.
Another notable project involves K-Lataus and Kempower joining forces in April to expand the charging network in Finland.
With this expansion, K-Lataus’ network will grow by more than 100 fast DC charging points across the country, located and along main roads, and at key commercial locations for Kesko, which is part of K-Group and is the third largest retailer in Northern Europe.
