Kempower has introduced its cutting-edge EV charging technology in collaboration with the Electric Circuit, the largest EV charging network in Québec. The innovative charging stations, featuring dynamic power-sharing capabilities, are currently in the process of being installed, marking Kempower’s debut in the Canadian market.
The Kempower Satellite system, known for its dynamic power-sharing functionality that intelligently allocates the maximum available power to each user based on their vehicle’s capacity, has made its presence felt in the city of Rivière-du-Loup through Bornes Québec, a distribution partner.
The Kempower Satellite system originally included air-cooled cables capable of delivering up to 400 kWh of power. However, in June 2022, Kempower unveiled liquid-cooled satellite chargers specifically designed to cater to heavy-duty EVs.
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Québec will witness the inauguration of the first of these innovative charging stations at the St. Hubert restaurant, a founding member of the Electric Circuit. These stations will feature three dual charging outlets with a dynamic power-sharing capacity of 500 kW, intelligently distributed among connected vehicles. Each charging cable connected to these stations will be capable of delivering up to 300 kW of power.
France Lampron, Head of the Electric Circuit, expressed enthusiasm about these new additions, stating, “These new stations are a welcomed addition to the Electric Circuit since they’ll simplify the charging experience for our members and maximize the charging power.”
Guy Lamarche, General Manager of Bornes Québec, emphasized the reliability of the technology, noting that it has already proven its effectiveness in the harsh winter conditions of Finland. He added, “The tried-and-tested technology is perfectly adapted to our climate and the diversity of electric vehicles on Québec’s roads.”
Originating from Finland, Kempower is expanding its global presence. The company is currently in the process of establishing its first manufacturing facility in the United States, specifically in Durham County, North Carolina. Kempower aims to commence production of DC chargers for electric vehicles before the end of the year.
Tomi Ristimäki, CEO of Kempower, highlighted the company’s commitment to reliability, particularly as it expands its global reach. He explained, “Driving long distances is more common in North America than Europe, making charger reliability an even more pressing issue. By having a tried and tested system in place to ensure the reliability of our chargers, we can launch in Québec with the confidence that our chargers are fit to serve the province’s EV drivers.”
While it is clear that NEVI funding played a pivotal role in Kempower’s decision to establish a manufacturing plant in the United States, it remains uncertain whether the collaboration with the Electric Circuit benefits from government funds.
See also: Kempower secures deal to bring High-Powered Charging Systems to UK
Canada has made a substantial commitment to bolster its EV infrastructure, with a $30 million investment in August. The primary focus of this investment is in Québec, where Hydro Québec, the operator of the Electric Circuit network, is a major beneficiary. Hydro Québec is actively working in partnership with municipalities to deploy 4,500 charging stations by 2028, furthering the expansion of EV charging infrastructure across the province.