Modern charging infrastructure for electric buses in Karlsruhe, Germany: VBK opts for Kempower solution
Verkehrsbetriebe Karlsruhe (VBK) is continuing to push ahead with the electrification of its bus operations and has commissioned a modern charging infrastructure for its growing fleet of electric buses at its depot on Wikingerstraße. Together with eebc GmbH as its implementation partner, the depot has been equipped with 16 Kempower Power Units and 44 Kempower Control Units. This means that 44 of the total 48 parking spaces have access to fast charging.
Contribution to the mobility transition in Karlsruhe
VBK currently operates 24 fully electric MAN buses, and the fleet is set to double to 48 vehicles by early 2026. By then, around 80 percent of Karlsruhe’s inner-city buses will be electric – an important step toward sustainable, climate-friendly local transport.
The new Kempower charging points make us much more flexible at the depot. Our e-buses can be charged reliably and easily – and if the fleet grows, the system can be expanded without any problems. This means we are well equipped for the future,” says Frank Berger, Fleet Management, Verkehrsbetriebe Karlsruhe (VBK).
Flexible and scalable charging infrastructure
The modular Kempower Power Units and Kempower Control Units dynamically distribute the available power and enable simultaneous operation of multiple charging points.
A particular challenge in many depot projects is the limited available space when retrofitting charging infrastructure. To make the best use of VBK’s existing depot layout, the Control Units were mounted on the ceiling – a space-saving solution that preserves valuable floor space and ensures smooth depot operations. This installation demonstrates the high flexibility and adaptability of Kempower’s system. The technology can be tailored to the specific requirements of each location – for example, through ceiling-mounted Control Units that save space or scalable systems that grow alongside expanding e-bus fleets. This ensures that the solution is not only suitable for the current fleet size but also future-proof as e-mobility continues to advance in public transport.
The system is specially designed for line operation in public transport: reliable, expandable, and low-maintenance. With the planned expansion of VBK’s e-bus fleet to 48 vehicles, the charging infrastructure is already designed for future growth.
Digital support from Kempower ChargEye
In addition to the hardware, the cloud-based Kempower ChargEye software is also being used in Karlsruhe. It enables VBK to centrally monitor and control all charging points. This makes the entire charging process more efficient, transparent, and easy to integrate into everyday operations – both for operators and drivers.
Successful partnership in implementation
As the executing partner, eebc European Electrical Bus Company supported the implementation of the project and took on parts of the installation and commissioning of the charging points.
“The successful project in Karlsruhe shows how important partnership-based cooperation is for electric mobility in public transport. We trust Kempower to supply reliable, future-proof technology that can be flexibly adapted to the requirements of our customers. Together with VBK, we have implemented a charging setup that works optimally both today and in the future,” says Thomas Mang, Managing Director of eebc.
About Kempower
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
Media contact
Philipp Schiwek
Marketing Communications Manager
Central and Eastern Europe
Mobile +49 172 5478 063
philipp.schiwek@kempower.com
