Kempower and LUT University join forces to open a new Electric Mobility Research Center in Lahti, Finland

• Kempower and LUT University’s first electric mobility research center will be opened at LUT University in Lahti, Finland, by the end of 2023. 

• The new research center aims to strengthen cross-disciplinary research on electric transportation and to develop education to meet the future needs of the industry. 

• The new research center continues Kempower’s commitment to being close to the student community and collaborating with educational institutions. 

The leading rapid EV charging solutions provider Kempower and LUT University will open a research center at LUT University campus in Lahti, Finland. The new Kempower Electric Mobility Research Center (EMRC) is to be opened by the end of 2023. 

EMRC is essential to boost e-mobility related research and support Kempower’s continuous product development and research, which has been the company’s core since its establishment in 2018. The center cuts across the boundaries of almost all of LUT University’s fields of specialization, focusing on power electronics, mechanics, data, and design. Collaboration with universities plays an important role when researching and developing charging solutions and predicting the future of electric mobility.  

 “We want to work closely with technology-focused universities as it gives us the resources needed to stay at the forefront of product development and research. Furthermore, students at LUT University will get the opportunity to learn more about the fast-growing e-mobility industry as well as the skills needed to succeed there now and in the future. With Kempower’s unique data from the field and LUT University’s resources, we can envision EV drivers’ future needs, further improve the user experience and reliability of our solutions and strengthen Lahti’s position as a center of excellence in e-mobility,” said Mikko Veikkolainen, Chief Technology Officer at Kempower.  

”Two very strong players are joining forces. LUT does bold scientific research that has both strategic and practical impact. Kempower, on the other hand, manufactures products that have a rapidly growing demand in Finland and beyond,” described LUT University’s rector Juha-Matti Saksa. 

“EMRC offers a cross-disciplinary research platform that represents a whole new way for LUT to collaborate with companies. This initiative strengthens the role of Finnish science and education in an industry that exhibits crazy growth rates and potential. EMRC operations include cooperation with the LAB University of Applied Sciences, further extending the center’s capacity and impact,” outlined LUT University’s Chief Growth Officer Petri Ajo.  

”Lahti has quickly developed into a leading city for electric mobility in Finland. The research center makes it possible for growth to continue. Electrification of transport involves a lot of new business and innovations, and Lahti wants to be a pioneer," says Lahti Mayor Pekka Timonen. 

"The development of electric mobility also fits perfectly with Lahti's operation as an environmental and university city. We have a strong presence in green transition research and business in the most interesting growth sectors," he continues. 

EMRC supports Kempower’s growth strategy and plans to scale up its production capabilities to meet the growing demand for reliable EV charging solutions. The company will expand to the U.S. by opening a new charging station production facility in Durham, North Carolina. The production facility will open by the end of 2023. As the company expands, it hopes for opportunities to collaborate with universities internationally in the future.  

 

For more information, please contact: 

Petra Toivanen, Communications Manager, Kempower, +358 29 0021900,petra.toivanen@kempower.com, 

Petri Ajo, Chief Growth Officer, LUT University, +358 50 473 6668, petri.ajo@lut.fi, 

Juha-Matti Saksa, Rector, LUT University, +358 40 016 6659, juha-matti.saksa@lut.fi.

 

Kempower in brief:

We design and manufacture reliable and user-friendly DC fast-charging solutions for electric vehicles. Our vision is to create the world’s most desired EV charging solutions for everyone, everywhere. Our product development and production are based in Finland, with the majority of our materials and components sourced locally. We focus on all areas of e-mobility, from electric cars, trucks, and buses to machines and marine. Our modular and scalable charging system and world-class software are designed by EV drivers for EV drivers, enabling the best user experience for our customers around the world. Kempower is listed in the Nasdaq First North Growth Market Finland. www.kempower.com 

LUT University in brief:

Clean energy, water and air are life-giving resources for which we at LUT University seek new solutions with our expertise in technology, business and social sciences. We help society and businesses in their sustainable renewal. Our international community consists of nearly 8 000 members. Our campuses are in Lappeenranta and Lahti, Finland. We are one of the top universities in the world for climate action. lut.fi/en