French charging infrastructure operator Greenspot plans to install Kempower fast-charging systems at 30 retail locations across France by the end of 2027. Each site will feature four charging points supplied by a central 200 kW power unit.
The standardised configuration consists of one Kempower Power Unit connected to two Dual Satellites. Available power is dynamically distributed among vehicles using the chargers.
The systems are primarily designed for supermarkets and other retail locations with medium-sized car parks. According to Kempower, the installations can connect to France’s commercial electricity tariff, known as tarif jaune, without requiring a dedicated transformer station. This is expected to reduce installation time and infrastructure costs.
Five Charging Sites Already Operational
Five locations have already opened: Bricomarché in Montgiscard, Intermarché Super in Lanton, and Aldi branches in Benesse-Maremne, Izon and Saint-Ciers-sur-Gironde.
Further installations are planned at retail locations operated by Aldi, Franprix, Intermarché and Cultura.
Greenspot will finance, install and operate the charging infrastructure through a third-party investment model. Retailers will not need to make an upfront capital investment, while the charging stations will remain part of the Greenspot network.
Modular Systems Allow Future Expansion
Kempower’s charging architecture uses a central Power Unit to distribute electricity across several charging points. The system adjusts output according to vehicle requirements and can accommodate additional Satellites or power capacity as demand increases.
This modular approach allows Greenspot to expand installations without initially building infrastructure for the highest possible future demand.
Greenspot currently operates more than 1,500 charging points in France and aims to increase its network to 8,500 by 2030. Founded in 2016, the company focuses on charging infrastructure at retail and commercial properties.
Alternative Financing Models for Charging Infrastructure
The French partnership forms part of Kempower’s broader efforts to support charging network expansion through alternative financing arrangements.
In the United Kingdom, the Finnish charging equipment manufacturer worked with DLL on a leasing project that resulted in eight fast-charging points being installed at a petrol station in Bedfordshire.
Unlike that arrangement, the Greenspot model covers the full financing, installation and operation of the charging infrastructure through a single operator.
The approach is intended to make fast-charging facilities more accessible to retailers without requiring them to fund the initial infrastructure investment.