This is Kempower’s second factory but the first in North America with the primary facility in Lahti, Finland. This expansion will further help Kempower to service the North American market with its Kempower C- and S-Series range of electric chargers.

Under the themes of “energy transition and sustainable mobility”, the European public transport industry met to demonstrate its new sustainable products/technologies as the sector looks to rapidly decarbonise to meet climate pledges outlined in the European Green Deal.

The 2024 Transpotec Logitec Exhibition took place in the Fiera Milano, Italy, from 8 – 11 May.

The new plant is located next to the Utility Trailer Southeast Texas dealer location and will be operated by ‘Cargobull North America’, the joint venture established by the two companies last year.

The companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in order to explore potential collaboration in EV developments, components and joint business opportunities with a focus on the European and South American markets.

The EV Star REEFERX has been designed for the mid to last-mile fresh and frozen foods delivery market. Built on the GreenPower EV Star Cab chassis, the truck has a payload capacity of up to 5,500 lbs (2.5 tonnes).

Capable of handling up to 1400 amps and 900 volts, the Eaton Bussmann series of high-powered  fuses are customisable, meaning they can be tailored to particular specifications. Paralleling multiple fuses can increase current capability.

The facility will increase the supply of its high-powered fuses for EVs and other applications. The 10 million USD investment in this facility is part of a 750 million USD investment strategy into the company’s North American manufacturing base.

Currently in series production in Joliet, Illinois, the 127,000 pound (or 57.6 tonnes GVW) truck is powered by a TM4 Sumo electric powertrain from Dana and is fitted with a 630 kWh battery pack which provides a range of 275 miles (440kms) on a single charge.

Hundreds of journalists packed the plush conference room on the first floor of the brand-spanking-new building for the big reveal. Interestingly, the themes continually reiterated by the various Conti staff included sustainability, cost pressure, digitalisation driving efficiency as well as compliance & safety.

The MoU outlines an investment over a span of five years, with the potential to generate up to 5,000 jobs, both directly and indirectly.

The plant is to have the capacity to produce 2,500 buses annually, but has been designed with the opportunity to double this, when required.