The Future of Fast Charging: A Q&A with Kempower

Kempower has become a recognized leader in the electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure sector, particularly known for its innovative modular and scalable DC fast charging technology. To delve into their strategic approach, North American expansion, and future outlook, EV Charging Magazine recently engaged in a written Q&A with Marcus Suvanto, VP of Operations & Business Development NA at Kempower. Suvanto offers valuable insights into the advantages of Kempower’s modular design, their methods for ensuring grid stability, adaptation to evolving EV market trends, commitment to a user-friendly charging experience, and their overall vision for the industry’s progression.

EV Charging Magazine: Kempower is known for its modular and scalable DC fast charging solutions. What are the key advantages of this approach for EV charging infrastructure development?

Marcus Suvanto: Kempower’s distributed system allows CPO and fleet operators to grow at their own pace while minimizing infrastructure spend. Kempower’s power unit comes in ranges from 50-600 kW, is easily upgradable by adding power modules, and can power up to eight Kempower Satellites. Users can start at as little as 50 kW and one satellite and grow that to 600 kW and eight satellites on the same system. With adequate planning, operators can grow their fleet or charging business with only one major infrastructure investment.

EV Charging Magazine: With the increasing demand for high-power charging, how is Kempower addressing the challenges of grid stability and power management?

Marcus Suvanto: Kempower is not just a hardware company. ChargEye, Kempower’s software platform is uniquely positioned to help operators navigate the complexities of their unique situations. ChargEye allows fleets and CPOS to schedule charging, to monitor usage and to take advantage of the most opportune times to charge vehicles. Kempower’s dynamic charging capability also maximizes power utilization at a particular site. Dynamic charging takes into account what power the vehicle is actually capable of receiving at any point in time and then allocates power to the unit in 25 kW increments. This allows any particular site to get more charging capability out of less power allocation.

EV Charging Magazine: Kempower recently expanded its North American presence with a new production site in Durham, N.C. How is this expansion contributing to the growth of EV charging infrastructure in the United States?

Marcus Suvanto: We opened our Durham, N.C. facility in 2024. We recognized the need to expand our network of fast-charging EV solutions to help reduce emissions from the transportation sector in the fight against climate change. We are growing alongside the region’s market, allowing more EV drivers to access reliable and user-friendly charging solutions that are Buy America Build America compliant. As more North Americans continue to purchase EVs, we are working to meet the demand for charging infrastructure, allowing for clean transportation alternatives to be within reach for all.

EV Charging Magazine: What are the most significant trends you’re seeing in the EV charging market, and how is Kempower adapting to these changes?

Marcus Suvanto: Despite some reporting to the contrary, we continue to see the market grow. New car registrations have recently hit 10% in North America, and we see that number increasing going forward. What we’re beginning to see now is that electrification is hitting commercial fleet and public transportation, but also in segments such as the marine industry. By offering charging solutions for marine segments, such as marinas and harbors, vessel manufacturers, and commercial vessels, our team is transforming marine charging solutions with safe and cost-effective technology. And we are working to ensure this technology is accessible to all industries and operators.

EV Charging Magazine: How is Kempower ensuring a user-friendly and reliable charging experience for EV drivers?

Marcus Suvanto: Our dynamic power sharing capabilities lead to a more reliable, accessible, and profitable charging experience. With an impressive charger uptime of more than 99 percent, we ensure that chargers are almost always available for use. They provide a swift and easy charging experience with minimum noise pollution, weatherproof durability, and advanced technology. Our remote monitoring allows for problems to be quickly identified and resolved, resulting in little to no disruption in the use and success of our chargers, getting EV drivers back on the road quickly, toward their next destination.

EV Charging Magazine: What are Kempower’s future plans for innovation and development in the EV charging sector?

Marcus Suvanto: Our team is dedicated to the EV industry and its future. We will continue to define, produce, and develop EV charging infrastructure, by providing the world with creative and innovative charging solutions.

EV Charging Magazine: With the rise of different charging standards, how is Kempower addressing interoperability?

Marcus Suvanto: We are addressing interoperability by ensuring EV drivers can easily access charging solutions, regardless of their vehicle’s make or model. Our DC fast chargers are available with CCS1, CHAdeMO, and NACS connectors, providing accessible and reliable charging solutions across various sectors. Our user-friendly touch screen and the ability to follow charging sessions on your mobile device ensure drivers can easily operate and navigate the benefits of our state-of-the-art charging solutions.

EV Charging Magazine: What specific advancements has Kempower made in charging software, and how does this improve the user experience and network management?

Marcus Suvanto: See Question 2.

EV Charging Magazine: How is Kempower working to ensure that its charging solutions meet the evolving needs of commercial and fleet EV operators?

Marcus Suvanto: Reducing emissions from medium- and heavy-duty vehicles is crucial to achieving our climate targets. Our technology is a perfect match for the ever-evolving needs of the fleet industry. For example, the Kempower Megawatt Charging System (MCS) is a dedicated solution for electric trucks, providing high charging powers above 1 MW. Other solutions, including dynamic power sharing, allow fleets to maximize power utilization. We continue to demonstrate our commitment to advancing EV charging infrastructure by providing solutions that accommodate any space. Our modular layout allows you to choose the right charging dispenser for every use and even connect diverse dispensers to the same power unit.

EV Charging Magazine: What are Kempowers thoughts on the future of NEVI funding, and how it will affect the industry?

Marcus Suvanto: The rapidly shifting market can make the future difficult to forecast. At Kempower, we expect the industry will continue to build on the success of EV adoption in 2024, and the market potential for EVs will remain strong.

EV Charging Magazine: What key products or technologies is Kempower showcasing at the EV Charging Summit & Expo this month?

Marcus Suvanto: We will be highlighting the launch of the Kempower Flex Satellite during the EV Charging Summit & Expo. The Kempower Flex Satellite is designed for public charging applications, providing light-duty EV drivers an accessible and functional fast-charging experience, while helping to meet the NEVI Formula funding requirements and state regulations. The dual-cable allows for an adapter-free experience with the ability to choose between CCS1 and NACS connectors seamlessly.

EV Charging Magazine: What are Kempower’s primary objectives for participating in the EV Charging Summit & Expo, and what kind of conversations are you hoping to have with attendees?

Marcus Suvanto: At the EV Charging Summit & Expo, we will collaborate with partners, customers, and media. We are excited to share more about the new Kempower Flex Satellite and discuss the future of software connectivity and interoperability.

EV Charging Magazine: Are there any specific insights or announcements related to Kempower’s North American operations that attendees can expect to hear at the EV Charging Summit & Expo?

Marcus Suvanto: Along with the launch of the state-of-the-art Kempower Flex Satellite, our team will be onsite at the EV Charging Summit & Expo to share valuable industry insights and advancements in our innovative technology. Attendees can join the conversation and learn more with Rhett Kiser, product manager at Kempower, on Thurs., March 27 during the panel, Paving the Way Toward Hardware and Software Connectivity & Interoperability. We are also excited to share with attendees and partners the newest addition to the North American leadership team, Monil Malhotra, president of Kempower North America.

EV Charging Magazine: How does Kempower view the EV Charging Summit & Expo’s (EVCS) role in advancing the industry, and what do you hope attendees will take away from the event?

Marcus Suvanto: The EV Charging Summit & Expo brings together key players within the global EV charging infrastructure industry. We view EVCS as an opportunity to engage, learn, and promote innovative and reliable solutions to meet the needs of EV charging infrastructure. By sharing our perspective and receiving valuable industry insights, we are proud to take part in the greater conversation alongside EVCS partners and professionals, advancing the world closer toward an emissions-free future.

Conclusion

This insightful Q&A with Marcus Suvanto of Kempower underscores the company’s dedication to advancing the EV charging landscape through their modular and innovative solutions. Their strategic focus on addressing customer needs, leveraging software for grid management, and expanding their presence in North America highlights Kempower’s significant role in the ongoing evolution of EV infrastructure. Their active participation in industry events like the EV Charging Summit & Expo further emphasizes their commitment to collaboration and driving the industry towards a more sustainable transportation future.