Kempower, a leading Finnish manufacturer of fast DC charging solutions, has taken a major step in advancing sustainable regional transport in Germany by equipping the first dedicated electric bus charging depot in the Lippe district of North Rhine-Westphalia. Developed collaboratively by KVG Lippe and Westfalen Weser Ladeservice, the new facility in Lage was completed in just seven months.
Now serves as a flagship example of how modern charging technology can transform public transportation infrastructure. With 12 charging points offering a total capacity of up to 1,350 kW, the depot demonstrates how Kempower’s innovative system architecture—featuring a spatial separation of the charging stations and the centralized power unit—allows for unprecedented flexibility, efficiency, and scalability in managing electric bus fleets.
The launch of this depot marks the first milestone in an ambitious regional initiative to electrify public transport in Lippe. Over the coming years, the district plans to deploy 39 fully electric regional buses supported by six strategically located charging depots. Together, these investments will significantly accelerate the shift toward climate-friendly mobility and reduce the carbon footprint of public transport in the region.
Pioneering Climate-Friendly Mobility in the Lippe District
The newly inaugurated charging depot, located at the Reisedienst Motzek company site in Lage, represents a major advancement in regional transportation planning. For the district of Lippe, transitioning to e-mobility has been a priority in its broader climate strategy, and this facility now serves as a key enabler of that transformation.
KVG Lippe and Westfalen Weser Ladeservice, the two organizations overseeing the project, successfully delivered the site in record time. Their rapid implementation underscores both the urgency of sustainable mobility initiatives and the maturity of Kempower’s hardware and software solutions, which enable quick deployment even in complex public transport settings.
A First for Regional Buses in Lippe
The depot in Lage will eventually be one of six dedicated charging sites designed to support KVG Lippe’s expanding electric bus fleet. As the first operational location, it sets the blueprint for subsequent facilities. With 12 charging points and a charging capacity range of 600 to 1,350 kW, the location can simultaneously serve multiple buses with reliable and dynamic charging performance.
One of the standout innovations introduced at the site is Kempower’s modular charging system. Unlike traditional charging setups, where the charging device and the power electronics are contained in a single unit, Kempower’s solution separates the charging station from the power unit. This design not only saves valuable space on the depot grounds but also allows for optimal equipment placement, simplified maintenance, and flexible cable routing to serve various parking layouts.
According to Andreas Stoller, authorized signatory at Westfalen Weser Ladeservice, “With Kempower, we are using a charging infrastructure in regional transport for the first time that combines high performance with flexibility. This enables us to lay the foundation for the reliable, efficient, and future-proof operation of KVG’s electric bus fleet.” His statement emphasizes how crucial tech adaptability is in a field where fleet sizes, route demands, and energy prices can evolve rapidly.
Supporting the Electrification of Public Transport
KVG Lippe’s long-term plan involves deploying 39 battery-electric regional buses across the district. To support this evolving fleet, the six planned charging depots will be strategically distributed across existing operational areas. This decentralized structure ensures that buses can charge close to their routes, reducing unnecessary travel time and maximizing operational efficiency.
Each depot will be equipped with Kempower’s modular charging technology, creating a robust foundation for long-term scalability. As bus fleet sizes grow or charging needs evolve, additional Kempower Power Units or charging satellites can be integrated seamlessly into the existing system. This modularity protects the district’s investment and ensures that the infrastructure remains adaptable to future needs, including potential expansions in service frequency or the integration of next-generation buses with larger batteries.
Dynamic, Efficient, and Intelligent Charging with Kempower
Kempower’s system architecture is built on a modular design that allows centralized power management while delivering charging output dynamically to individual connectors. The Power Units act as the energy backbone, feeding multiple charging satellites that serve the vehicles directly.
This setup enables dynamic power allocation, where charging capacity can automatically shift between buses depending on their battery state, departure schedules, or operational priorities. This intelligence ensures that fleet operators use available electrical energy as efficiently as possible without requiring costly grid upgrades or oversizing.
In collaboration with KVG Lippe, Westfalen Weser Ladeservice also implemented a sophisticated energy management system tailored to the region’s needs. One of its key functions is the ability to schedule charging sessions during times when electricity prices are most favorable. By shifting consumption into low-cost periods—often overnight—the system enables substantial energy savings. Annual cost reductions are expected to reach six figures, underscoring the financial benefits of intelligent charging paired with fast DC infrastructure.
Delivering a Model Project in Record Time
From initial planning to final commissioning, the project in Lage required only seven months—a remarkably short timeline for an installation of this scale and complexity. This rapid deployment was made possible through Westfalen Weser Ladeservice’s success in three Europe-wide tenders covering construction, transformer stations, and charging hardware. Seamless coordination among the technology partners, local authorities, and planners enabled smooth implementation and effective integration with existing site infrastructure.
For the partners involved, the Lage depot stands as a showcase of what can be achieved through efficient collaboration and cutting-edge charging technology. “The project in Lage is a real showcase project for us. We were able to demonstrate that high-performance charging infrastructure can also be implemented quickly, reliably, and future-proof in regional transport,” Stoller notes.
The Starting Point for a Fully Electric Future in Lippe
The commissioning of the Lage depot is just the beginning. Five additional depots are already in various stages of planning and construction, each designed to mirror or build upon the successful layout and functionality of this first site. As these locations come online, KVG Lippe will gradually transition to an all-electric regional bus fleet, eliminating local emissions and reducing noise pollution across the district.
For passengers, this transition means cleaner, quieter journeys. For drivers, modern electric buses offer smoother acceleration and improved cabin comfort. And for the region as a whole, the shift represents a meaningful contribution toward climate goals while enhancing the reliability and quality of public transportation.
By investing in advanced charging solutions from Kempower and partnering closely with regional stakeholders, the district of Lippe is positioning itself as a forward-thinking leader in sustainable mobility. The combination of fast deployment, intelligent energy management, and scalable charging technology ensures that the region remains well-prepared for future transportation demands.
Source Link:https://kempower.com/
