KVG Vorarlberg is operating Austria’s largest charging hub for electric buses with Kempower technology
One of Austria’s largest charging hubs for electric buses has been built with Kempower’s distributed charging systems in Wolfurt, Vorarlberg. The project is being implemented by the subsidiary vlotte vkw in close cooperation with the Vorarlberg Transport Association (VVV) – equipped with state-of-the-art Kempower technology. The transport association has commissioned Österreichische Postbus AG to operate the route, which will run a growing fleet of e-buses in the region in the future.
One of the largest charging hubs for electric buses in Austria
The charging depot at the Wolfurt freight station comprises 54 charging points in the first expansion stage, with a charging capacity of up to 240 kW per charging point. Thanks to its modular design, the hub can be expanded to up to 84 charging points. The total transformer capacity is 5 MW, distributed across four 1.25 MW transformers, with an initial power unit of 200 kW that is scalable to 400 kW.
“Reliable charging solutions are the basis for the successful operation of electric bus fleets. We are setting up and operating the necessary infrastructure at the transport service providers’ locations – existing parking and storage areas at the Wolfurt freight station are currently being upgraded accordingly,” explains Philipp Österle, Managing Director of vlotte vkw.
The Kempower solution separates the charging station and power unit spatially, allowing optimal use of space and flexible and efficient charging of multiple buses at the same time. Intelligent charging management via ChargeEye ensures that charging times are adapted to bus schedules and maximum vehicle availability is guaranteed.
Contribution to the electrification of public transport in Austria
Since early 2026, up to 125 battery-electric public buseshave been put in service in Vorarlberg. The charging hub in Wolfurt is a key component in ensuring the reliable and efficient operation of this fleet. The charging stations also enable the batteries and interiors to be preconditioned, which increases range, efficiency, and driving comfort.
“Unlike passenger cars, e-buses are almost always on the road, so maximum charging power must be available during stops. Overnight, significantly lower charging capacities of 30 to 50 kW per vehicle are sufficient to fully recharge the batteries,” explains Österle.
Leonard Lechner from Verkehrsverbund Vorarlberg adds: “The first electric buses went into service in 2020 and have been impressive across the board ever since. By expanding the fleet, we are enabling our passengers to travel in an even more climate-friendly way.”
Austrian Postbus AG also plays a central role in this: it operates the e-buses in daily scheduled service on behalf of the transport association. “By May 2026, the Postbus depot in Wolfurt will be the largest electric bus location and charging park in Austria, with 66 buses and charging points,” says Mathias Schönherr, transport manager at Österreichische Postbus AG. “The project shows how successful cooperation between partners can look – a real showcase project for sustainable mobility in Vorarlberg.”
Efficient, scalable charging infrastructure
The modular Kempower system with power units and control units offers dynamic power control, maximum operational reliability, and easy expandability. In combination with an intelligent energy management system, charging processes are controlled cost-effectively so that even short-term schedule changes or electricity price windows can be optimally utilized.
Safe and reliable operational management
“It is important to us to contribute to the further development of local public transport as a strong partner. In addition to the charging solutions themselves, reliable operational management is also crucial,” emphasizes Österle. Many years of experience, a competent team, and targeted stockpiling of important spare parts ensure the operation of the charging infrastructure.
With the commissioning of the charging hub in Wolfurt, Kempower, vlotte vkw, the Vorarlberg Transport Association, and Österreichische Postbus AG are jointly laying the foundation for a climate-friendly, efficient e-bus fleet in Vorarlberg.
The modular infrastructure allows for flexible expansion of the depot and continuous development of electric mobility in local public transport – a decisive step towards sustainable mobility in the region.
