Kempower bringing EV charger manufacturing, jobs, and $41 million investment to NC
North Carolina is becoming a hub for EV and battery manufacturing.
Kempower is one of many companies putting down roots in the state, with its North America manufacturing facility currently under construction in Durham.
"We're excited to call North Carolina home and bring our fast-charging solution to the growing EV market," said Tim Joyce, president of Kempower North America.
The company is based in Finland, where electric vehicle adoption is widespread.
Currently, about 5% of U.S. vehicles are EVs, compared to 30% in Finland. By 2025, projections show 42% of the Finnish fleet will be electric.
"It’s been an interesting journey in EV industry," said Marcus Suvanto, a Finland native who is now Director of operations and business development for Kempower North America. "It's fast-growing, which is the most exciting."
Suvanto estimates the facility will be online by the end of the year, with 100 employees on-boarded. He expects the company will hire 200 more by the end of next year.
Chung Thach has been working at the Durham facility for three months as a technician. It's a new direction for Thach, who is a father of two and veteran - serving four years in the U.S. Marine Corps.
"It was an honor to serve," Thach said. "I loved that, but starting a new family... I had to get away and find a new career path and Kempower offered me that."
Suvanto says Kempower chargers can advance EV adoption in the state with technology to improve infrastructure and make carbon-zero fleets more feasible.
"Our product is designed for a larger amount of vehicles not just one or two and also we can share the power dynamically," Suvanto said. The chargers can prioritize power based on where it's needed most.
Suvanto says the company is also implementing Finnish sustainability standards, with a goal to be carbon-zero by 2035.
Thach says he values the company's positive environmental impact and it was one of the reasons he pursued a job with Kempower.
"Especially for my kids, I want them to experience a cleaner and better future," he said.
