US. Kempower celebrates the grand opening of its new EV charger factory in Durham, North Carolina

Durham, NC –  Kempower, a global leader in DC fast-charging solutions for electric vehicles, proudly celebrated the public grand opening of its state-of-the-art EV charger manufacturing facility in North Carolina, serving U.S. and Canadian EV drivers and fleet owners.

Kempower’s grand opening is a significant milestone that underscores its commitment to driving clean transportation and enhancing global EV charging infrastructure, marking this a pivotal moment in the fight against climate change.

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper said to the crowd of attendees, “Kempower’s new facility is a beacon of hope and progress, demonstrating what can be achieved when public policy, private innovation, and community support come together. This is not just a victory for Kempower; it is a victory for all of us committed to building a sustainable future.”

Kempower’s CEO Tomi Ristimäki celebrated the company vision not only for the region but for the world, “Kempower’s vision extends beyond technological innovation; it is about driving a global shift towards sustainable, clean energy for the planet. Our new facility in Durham is a testament to our commitment to rapid and profitable growth, with a robust presence for today and beyond.” 

Leading the market with innovative DC charging solutions

Kempower’s growth strategy aims to position the company among the global top five in the DC charging market by 2030. With a total of four factories in Europe and in the U.S., and DC charging technology designed for ultimate charging experience, Kempower continues to lead the market with innovative solutions like its:

North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector, 

CTEP certification,

NEVI compliance,

400A Single satellite,

Megawatt Charging System (MCS) and;

a myriad of upcoming solutions projected to solidify partnerships with major retailers, automotive manufacturers, and public transport operators across North America and the world.

Ambassador Jarmo Sareva, Consul General of Finland in New York shared with attendees, “Kempower’s success in North America is a shining example of Finnish expertise impacting the global stage. This facility highlights Finland’s role as a leader in electric transportation and sustainable innovation.”

“Kempower’s efforts complement the U.S. Department of Energy’s work to develop a nationwide EV charging network. By manufacturing and developing advanced charging solutions right here in the United States, Kempower is helping ensure we have the infrastructure needed to support the growing fleet of EVs on our roads,” added Jeff Marootian, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, U.S. Department of Energy.

Jordan Whichard, Deputy Secretary, N.C. Department of Commerce echoed: “Kempower’s investment will contribute approximately millions annually to our state’s economy, strengthening our region’s position as a hub for clean technology while advanced manufacturing.”

Durham Mayor Leo Williams, beamed while presenting Kempower with a formal proclamation on behalf of the city saying: “Kempower’s presence in Durham is a testament to our city’s commitment to sustainable initiatives and economic growth. Today, we proclaim June 4, 2024, as ‘EV Charging Awareness Week’, recognizing Kempower’s role in transforming our local and global environment.”

Key facts and figures:

Production: Kempower’s production site in Durham is one of the four factories Kempower operates globally. Kempower’s three European factories are located in Lahti, Finland.

Charging sessions: 7 482 770 charging sessions with Kempower chargers in 2023

Energy charged: 196 GWh energy charged with Kempower chargers in 2023

Employment: The Kempower Durham facility will create approximately 300 jobs

Economic impact: Estimated to add over $700 million to North Carolina’s economy in the next decade.

Sustainability commitment: Reaching 100% carbon neutrality target by 2035; operating a fully electric vehicle fleet, utilizing %100 fossil-free electricity by 2025, contributing zero percent landfill waste by 2025, all while limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius in step with the Paris Agreement. 

Reliability: Kempower’s delivery reliability is over 90% and charger uptime over 99%.