Electric vehicle charging brand Kempower has announced that its DC fast-charging solutions will be deployed at a major Western Australian bus station following the awarding of a contract to its partner.
Recently, JET Charge was awarded a contract to provide rapid electric bus charging infrastructure at Perth’s Elizabeth Quay Bus Station, forming part of a $250 million collaborative effort between the federal and WA government to transform the bus depot and support new electric buses.
Kempower has partnered with the company since early 2022 to accelerate the uptake of EVs in Australia, with the two companies having delivered chargers for WA’s new EV network and the charging infrastructure for Team Global Express’ Sydney depot as part of Australia’s biggest-ever electric truck trial.
Kempower says the Elizabeth Quay Bus Station infrastructure will feature its Satellite charging system, using three Kempower power units and 18 single-output Kempower Satellites.
It says the solution is perfectly suited to optimise spatial limitations at the site and working among busy bus movements, with its unique modular architecture with dynamic power management allowing for high output from a compact footprint, while the double Power Units can be remotely located.
Once Kempower’s solutions are installed, it will support the operation of 18 electric buses on the Perth Central Area Transit service and will allow rapid charging during layover windows, fully meeting operational needs.
“Deploying our DC fast-charging solutions at the Elizabeth Quay Bus Station is the latest example of how we’re supporting the growing Australian EV market through our powerful, user-friendly charging design,” Kempower CEO Tomi Ristimäki says.
“Australia has several unique characteristics that set it apart from other e-mobility markets, such as a sparse grid and extreme weather conditions. The country’s EV drivers require tailored solutions to overcome these challenges, which we’ve proven we can deliver.”
JET Charge’s bus sector lead Alex Bowler says the Kempower technology will play a crucial role in the transformation.
“Its unique modular architecture with dynamic power management allows high output from a compact footprint, so it’s perfectly suited to optimising spatial restrictions at Elizabeth Quay and working amongst busy bus movements,” Bowler says.
Installation works at the depot are expected to begin in early 2024, with the first of the new electric buses due to enter service in the second half of the year.
“We’re investing in new electric buses, but also ensuring we have the infrastructure in place to support those electric buses and delivering the facilities so we can manufacture and build the buses right here in Western Australia,” WA transport minister Rita Saffioti says.
“By the middle of next year, Perth Central Area Transit passengers will be able to get around the central business district in a more environmentally friendly way.”