WionDrive News Desk 
Kempower, the Finnish EV charger manufacturer, has made a significant stride by inaugurating its inaugural US DC fast charger factory in Durham, North Carolina. This new facility, spanning a leased 14,000-square-meter (154,000-square-foot) space, marks Kempower’s fourth DC fast charger plant globally, complementing its three existing factories in Lahti, Finland.
The focus of the North Carolina factory will be on producing DC fast chargers tailored for electric cars, trucks, and buses destined for the US and Canadian markets. In its initial phase, the facility will prioritize the production of NEVI-compliant Kempower Satellite charging systems, equipped with CCS, NACS, and CHAdeMO connectors, known for their exceptional delivery reliability exceeding 90% and charger uptime surpassing 99%.
Governor Roy Cooper (D-NC), speaking at the opening ceremony, hailed Kempower’s new facility as a symbol of progress, emphasizing the collaborative effort between public policy, private innovation, and community support.
Durham was selected as Kempower’s first US factory site in February 2023 due to various factors including its conducive environment for the technology industry, state incentives, sustainability initiatives, favorable time zone, and availability of skilled labor.
The establishment of the Kempower Durham factory is expected to create approximately 300 job opportunities and contribute over $700 million to North Carolina’s economy over the next decade.
During the ceremony, Kempower unveiled its recently-launched megawatt charger, capable of charging an electric truck in just 30 minutes, reflecting the company’s commitment to supporting more electric fleets in the state.
Governor Cooper highlighted the economic benefits, projecting a $726 million boost to North Carolina’s economy over the next 12 years due to Kempower’s presence.
Jed Routh, Kempower’s North American vice president of markets and products, emphasized the company’s alignment with North Carolina’s sustainability initiatives, acknowledging Governor Cooper’s proactive stance in attracting sustainable businesses to the state.
With over 120 local employees already on board and plans to hire about 500 more in the coming years, Kempower is poised for further growth as it continues to expand its Durham site and ramp up production of EV chargers.
Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams expressed confidence in the city’s role in supporting Kempower’s investment, highlighting the city’s commitment to fostering an environment conducive to sustainable businesses.
