Kempower powers the leading Finnish beverages manufacturer Hartwall’s sustainable deliveries
Hartwall is lowering its carbon footprint by adopting electric trucks in its logistics operations in Finland. Its goal of cutting CO₂ emissions by 50% by 2030, is in line with its enduring commitment to environmental sustainability.
This shift, enabled by Kempower’s state-of-the-art charging technology and Virta’s seamless plug-and-pay software, marks an important milestone in reaching these ambitious objectives and highlights the shared dedication of both companies to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
After thoroughly evaluating various DC fast-charging equipment manufacturers, Hartwall selected Kempower’s Satellite charging system for its Brewery in Lahti, Finland. The decision was influenced by Kempower’s advanced technology and the compact size of the charging satellites, which are crucial for installation at loading docks. This careful selection process underscores Hartwall’s commitment to finding the best solutions to support the company’s sustainability goals.
“We considered many different DC fast-charging equipment manufacturers and ultimately chose Kempower’s EV charging solutions. Kempower’s technology allows us to precisely control the charging processes and ensure our electric truck fleet is always ready for use. The ability to use Virta’s software for plug-and-pay functionality, where the truck is recognized and starts charging immediately upon connection, was a significant advantage. This seamless integration is vital for our operations, ensuring efficiency and reliability,” said Tomi Heinäaho, Logistics Manager at Hartwall.
Implementation and early success
The first electric trucks began operating for Hartwall in the cities of Helsinki and Tampere in 2022. At that time, electric trucks were only used for last-mile deliveries. Now, two years later, Hartwall is also delivering the company’s products between the city of Lahti and Helsinki with an electric truck. The truck is charged at Hartwall’s premises in Lahti with the Kempower Satellite DC fast-charging system.
The integration of Kempower’s DC fast-charging solutions has been seamless, with the electric truck recharging fully within an hour during loading times. This efficiency is critical for maintaining the operational schedule and ensuring that deliveries are made on time. The early success of this initiative has provided valuable insights and confidence in expanding the use of electric vehicles within Hartwall’s truck fleet.
“So far, we have had only positive experiences, and everything has worked well. Of course, we have a lot to learn, and we are continuously improving. The planning phase involved extensive dialogue between Kempower and Hartwall, which helped us achieve the best solution for our needs. The Kempower Satellite chargers’ compact size is a significant benefit, allowing us to install them at our loading docks without any space issues. This project has shown us the potential of electric trucks, and we are excited about the future possibilities,” said Atte Pääkkö, Sourcing Manager at Hartwall.
Future plans and sustainability goals
Hartwall’s investment in e-mobility is a substantial part of the company’s sustainability efforts. The company has already seen significant progress in reducing CO₂ emissions, a journey that started over a decade ago. This forward-thinking approach highlights Hartwall’s long-term vision and commitment to making a positive impact on the environment. Hartwall is part of Royal Unibrew group, a globally operating multi-beverage company. Hartwall is acting as the forerunner in electric truck charging in the group.
“The integration of electric trucks to our truck fleet is just one part of our broader strategy to reduce emissions and promote sustainability. We have set ambitious targets, and with partners like Kempower, we are confident in our ability to achieve them,” said Heinäaho.
Collaborative efforts and long-term vision
The planning and installation of the charging infrastructure were carried out in close collaboration with Kempower. This partnership has been instrumental in achieving the best possible solution for Hartwall’s needs. The successful implementation of this project proves the power of collaboration and shared goals.
Hartwall’s journey towards sustainability is a testament to the company’s dedication to environmental responsibility and innovation. With the support of Kempower’s cutting-edge technology, Hartwall is one step closer to achieving its ambitious emission reduction targets and setting a benchmark for sustainable logistics in the industry.
Kempower’s electric truck charging solutions
The modularity and scalability of Kempower’s charging solutions for electric trucks, adapt according to the evolving needs of Hartwall’s logistical operations. The company’s EV charging solutions are ideal for fleet operators, logistic centers, and warehouses, where charging needs to be highly reliable and scalable with the increase of trucks over time.
The dynamic power sharing allows Hartwall to maximize grid utilization, ensuring efficient and reliable charging infrastructure. On the other hand, the small footprint of the Kempower Satellite gives the possibility to place the chargers flexibly even in challenging environments, like space-constrained depots. The intuitive, user-friendly interface of the chargers makes daily charging operations easy for truck drivers to maneuver. Let alone the high reliability, which is critical for high-demand environments like Hartwall’s logistical operations, where transportation needs to follow precise schedules.
