Kempower delivers distributed megawatt charging solution to Norway’s largest grocery retailer ASKO’s depot in Vestby

Kempower is supporting ASKO, Norway’s largest grocery retailer and one of the largest Norwegian transport companies, in becoming fossil-free in its own transport. With Kempower’s distributed charging system, ASKO’s trucks can charge at up to 1.2 MW, enabling dynamic charging between two MCS and four CCS2 high-power Kempower Mega Satellites – fast enough to fill the batteries during the drivers' statutory rest period of 45 minutes. The facility is the first of its kind in Norway. 

The new charging installation marks an important milestone in ASKO's efforts to become fossil-free in its own transport, and to the more than three-year long collaboration between Kempower and ASKO. The first delivery took place in spring 2022 and since then, more than 190 CCS2 (combined charging system) charging points and two MCS (megawatt charging system) charging points have been installed at 13 of ASKO’s depots across Norway with a total installation power of 25 megawatts. 

The new charging installation at ASKO Vestby consists of two 1.2 MW Kempower Power Units, each connected to three charging dispensers, a Kempower Mega Satellite, MCS and two Kempower Mega Satellites, CCS2. In total, the charging station has 2.4 MW of charging power, enabling MCS through two of the charging points and CCS2 through four of the charging points. The MCS charging dispensers support charging at 1.2 MW with 1500A and the high-power CCS2 charging dispensers at 560 kW with 700A. 

As one of the largest Norwegian transport companies, ASKO has more than 700 trucks on the roads every day, driving 60 million kilometers a year. By the end of 2025, around 200 of the total 700 trucks will be electric.  
 
At ASKO Vestby, around 100 vehicles are in daily operation, putting high standards on uptime and reliable charging solutions. With the two new MCS Kempower Mega Satellites, truck drivers can fully charge their vehicles during their mandatory breaks. The electricity comes mainly from solar cells on the roof of ASKO's warehouse buildings.  

"With this facility, which has a total of two 1.2 MW chargers and four 560 kW chargers, four trucks can be charged simultaneously during the driver's rest period. This makes it practical and profitable to use electric trucks even on longer routes," says Marius Råstad, Corporate Logistics Manager at ASKO. 

"After close collaboration with ASKO over the past three years, we are now marking an important milestone: the establishment of Norway's first commercial MCS charging station. Our distributed charging system has been supporting Norwegian electric vehicle drivers since 2020 and is now being deployed with higher power to meet the future demands of the most challenging segment of electric truck transport – long-distance transport. ASKO's pioneering efforts to electrify food deliveries under challenging weather conditions and terrain in Norway set a new standard in the industry. This initiative is undoubtedly inspiring for ASKO's pioneering future in the green shift," says Erik Kanerva, Sales Director for Northern Europe at Kempower. 

Strong partners enable large-scale electrification 

In addition to Kempower, ASKO works closely with Scania, which supplies electric trucks optimized for the new megawatt charging infrastructure. The vehicles are adapted for MCS charging and make it possible to operate electrically even on longer routes without compromising efficiency.    

“MCS charging opens completely new possibilities for electric and emission-free transport over longer distances. We at Scania Norway would like to congratulate ASKO once again on being at the forefront of adopting new and innovative technology,” says Frode Neteland, CEO at Scania Norway. 

Open to public on-the-move truck charging 

The charging facility will also be prepared for public on-the-move truck charging, so that other transport companies operating in the area can use the facilities. 

Transport accounts for approximately 30% of Norway's greenhouse gas emissions. Commercial transport accounts for two-thirds of this. Electric vehicles not only contribute to reducing greenhouse gases, but also to less noise and better local air quality. ASKO has set ambitious goals to reduce its environmental impact and wants to lead the way as a role model in the transition of the transport sector. 

"It makes both economic and environmental sense to invest now. This new technology allows electric trucks to operate more efficiently and over longer distances, which helps to reduce the use of fossil fuel-powered vehicles and achieve national and international climate goals," concludes Marius Råstad at ASKO. 

Photos by Scania are available for download here 

Kempower media contacts:  
 
Paula Savonen, VP of Communications Kempower 
paula.savonen@kempower.com 
+358 29 002 1900  

Mikaela von Martens, Head of Marketing Communications, Europe & APAC, Kempower 
mikaela.vonmartens@kempower.com 
+358 40 7578743 

ASKO in brief

ASKO is an important part of Norway's supply chain, with roots dating back to 1866. Today, nearly 4,500 employees ensure that food and goods reach the entire country safely and efficiently. The business consists of 13 regional ASKO companies, from Lillesand in the south to Tromsø in the north, in addition to central warehouses and a consolidation terminal in Vestby, Akershus. ASKO is the wholesale arm of NorgesGruppen, Norway's largest trading house, and supplies goods to both the grocery and catering markets throughout the country. asko.no 

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 and in the U.S., 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 shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd. kempower.com