Innovate3X - 13
Exploring the applicability of Kempower solutions in Heavy Electric Traffic - Market analysis for scaling
Initiator: Kempower, Finland
Kempower is a Finnish electric vehicle fast-charging equipment manufacturer specializing in DC fast-charging solutions for all electric vehicle types, including cars, buses, trucks, construction machinery and marine applications. With a power range from 40 kW to over 4 MW, Kempower plays a key role in advancing zero-emission mobility. The company focuses on all areas of electric mobility, from electric cars to trucks and buses, as well as construction machinery and marine. Recently, Kempower has been ranked 8th in the Financial Times FT1000 list of Europe’s fastest-growing companies in 2025.
Kempower’s EMRC and HETE program are developing megawatt-level charging solutions for heavy electric trucks, buses, and off-highway vehicles, with pilots underway. Focus areas include charger hardware, modular power distribution, and software for smart energy management.
Website: https://kempower.com
Research Group:
Electric Mobility Research Center (EMRC): https://www.lut.fi/en/emrc
The Electric Mobility Research Center (EMRC) is a joint research and innovation platform that supports the development of heavy electric traffic charging technologies, digital platforms and ecosystem-based business models. EMRC operates within the Heavy Electric Traffic Ecosystem (HETE), a large-scale R&D programme focused on electrifying heavy transport sustainably.
The group combines expertise from electrical engineering, energy systems, software, data analytics, business and social sciences to support the transition from pilot technologies to scalable market solutions.
What EMRC is striving for:
Desired Outcome:
SMAR3TS project partner – Kempower is looking for innovative approaches to analyse and scale the applicability of Kempower charging solutions in Heavy Electric Traffic (HET) across different geographic, regulatory and operational contexts.
While megawatt-level charging technologies for electric trucks, buses and off-highway vehicles are reaching technical maturity, large-scale deployment remains uneven across markets. Differences in logistics patterns, grid capacity, regulatory frameworks, incentives and business models create uncertainty for investors, operators and fleet owners.
Within the SMAR3TS project, this Innovate3X (I3X) focuses on market analysis and scaling strategies for heavy electric traffic charging infrastructure. The objective is to identify where, how and under what conditions Kempower solutions can be successfully deployed and scaled, supporting the development of resilient, low-carbon logistics systems across Nordic and European corridors.
Next step for impact is to scale from technology pilots to market adoption, requiring analysis of business models, policy frameworks, user acceptance, and logistics ecosystem integration.
R&I Stages:
☐ Idea / Conceptualization
☒ Pilot / Proof of Concept
☒ Early Implementation
The I3X challenge invites research and innovation talent within the SMAR3TS project to contribute to market assessment, business case development and ecosystem analysis through secondments at Kempower (EMRC) in Finland.
This I3X is Looking for Skills and Capabilities across Disciplines for:
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Business case modelling & scenario analysis (TCO, ROI for fleets & infrastructure).
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Techno-economic assessment & lifecycle sustainability analysis.
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Development of industrial, policy, and community pilots. Cross-disciplinary methods (engineering + economics + social sciences).
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Stakeholder & ecosystem engagement (logistics firms, energy providers, policymakers).
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Market intelligence and competitor benchmarking.
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Impact measurement & evaluation methods.
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Knowledge of EU transport, battery, and charging regulations.
Secondments Could Support Work on market analysis to understand how Kempower could scale the development of (HETE): e.g., cross-country analysis to anticipate the market needs, infrastructure, and trends related to charging heavy-duty vehicles; leveraging global EV-charging infrastructure data for innovation pilot/software development/other solutions that could support HETE.
Potential areas for secondments:
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Market analysis for scaling heavy EV charging (EU/Nordic logistics corridors). Innovation in business models (CaaS, BaaS, leasing models).
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Policy and regulatory mapping (EU, Nordic, Finnish incentives for e-trucks).
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Engagement with logistics operators, SMEs, and municipalities for pilots.
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Sustainability assessments (LCA, circular design, second-life battery use).
Important:
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SMAR3TS Secondments are open only to SMAR3TS Consortium Partners.
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Secondments aligned to any I3X can be undertaken at either the Initiating Parter premises and/or other SMAR3TS Consortium Partner premises.
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Regardless of where you are undertaking work on an I3X, you are obligated to ensure the aligned I3X Initiator Project Contact, Lead / Responsible aligned Work Package Leader, as well as the SMAR3TS Project Management Team are kept fully up-to-date with the progress of your contribution to your secondment aligned I3X - Refer to the detailed information 'About Secondments - What are Secondments'.
Examples of Challenges that Need to be Addressed
(1) Market & Business Models:
•Lack of proven cost models for megawatt charging hubs.
•High upfront investment costs for SMEs in logistics sector.
•Limited clarity on viable business models (CaaS, BaaS, leasing).
•Market analysis and competition benchmarking; designing new business models for sustainable mobility
(2) Technology Adoption:
•Slow standardization of megawatt charging (MCS).
•Interoperability gaps between truck OEMs, chargers, and grid operators.What to do about charging of autonomous vehicles (automation 2030)?
(3) Sustainability & Circularity:
•Recycling and second-life use of large truck batteries.
•Integration of renewable energy and storage with charging hubs.
(4) Data & Analysis:
•Limited insights from real-world data on heavy EV truck charging behavior.
•Gaps in predictive modelling for grid impact and logistics routing.
(5) Ecosystem Development:
•Coordination needed among logistics firms, energy providers, municipalities, and policymakers.
•Scaling the ecosystem and applicability of Kempower solutions in other countries
Initiator Institution (IfM Engage @ the University of Cambridge) Contact for this I3XS
Link to the website: https://kempower.com
Contacts:
Ville Naumanen, Research Director at EMRC, Kempower, ville.naumanen@lut.fi
Hanna Falk, Head of Talent and Culture Development at Kempower, henna.falk@kempower.com
NOTE:
Click here for instructions on how to plan for a secondment.
Alignment to Work-Package/s
SMAR3TS domains that are relevant to the work of Kempower organization / research and innovation team:
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Lead Work Package - Mobility
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Kempower’s EV charging solutions accelerate the transition to sustainable transport and low-carbon heavy logistics.
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Secondments could support market analysis to understand how Kempower could scale the development of HETE: e.g., cross-country analysis to anticipate the market needs, infrastructure, and trends related to charging heavy-duty vehicles; leveraging global EV-charging infrastructure data for innovation pilot/software development/other solutions that could support HETE.
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SMAR3TS Mobility Work Package Lead Contact: Luís Seca, INESCTEC, Porto, Portugal - Senior Researcher at the Centre for Power and Energy and member of the Board of Directors of INESC TEC. luis.seca@inesctec.pt
Alignment to Resilience, Restoration, Regeneration (R3)
Enabler of resilience:
Electrified mobility is dependent on the availability of charging infrastructure. Kempower’s modular, flexible, and grid-friendly charging systems strengthen transport networks’ resilience and continuity, especially in heavy logistics. Modular, scalable DC fast charging systems ensure flexibility and redundancy in transport infrastructure and enhance energy and transport resilience during grid disruptions.
Link to restoration and regeneration:
By shifting mobility away from fossil fuels, Kempower EV-charging solutions support sustainable mobility (cleaner air, reduced noise, and lower carbon emissions). Collaborations with renewable microgrid providers and smart energy management systems provide opportunities for regeneration of heavy truck mobility infrastructures into self-sustaining, low-impact systems.
Related Keywords
Heavy Electric Traffic; EV Truck Charging; Megawatt Charging; Market Analysis; Sustainable Logistics; Mobility Transition; Charging Infrastructure; Business Models.