PowerUp America is a new EV charging network in the U.S. that has secured contracts to build DC fast-charging stations under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. The company is set to launch its first station in Manchester, Kentucky, before the end of 2025. The station will be designed similarly to a traditional fuel station, with pull-through stalls, a canopy, and ample space for turning.
The station will feature two 400-kW Kempower power electronics cabinets, each with two satellite dispensers, providing a total of four charging stalls. These dispensers will include two connectors: CCS1 and NACS (SAE J3400), ensuring compatibility with a wide range of EVs without the need for adapters. The power output will decrease based on demand across the stalls. Payment will be available via credit card or through a mobile app.
PowerUp America plans to expand its network in smaller cities, particularly in the Southeast U.S., to fill existing gaps in EV charging infrastructure. This expansion also marks an opportunity for Kempower to increase its presence in the U.S. market.
PowerUp America was co-founded by Josh Turner, who serves as CEO, and Jessie Hensley, who is the company’s president. Turner has a background in technology and service industries, while Hensley comes from large-scale construction and energy systems. The company grew out of the Kimbro family’s experience in traditional fueling and energy businesses, combining that foundation with a new vision for EV infrastructure. PowerUp has chosen the southeastern United States as its primary focus for rollout.
“We are incredibly excited to be expanding the PowerUp network across the Southeast, with more than 100 new DC fast charging ports being announced soon,” said Josh Turner, CEO of PowerUp America. “Our mission has always been about more than installing chargers, it is about empowering communities. By addressing both urban and rural gaps, we are ensuring that reliable EV infrastructure reaches every corner of the region. Each site we deploy is designed to strengthen the communities we serve while supporting the jobs that have been created in the Southeast through regional partners such as Kempower, Southwire, and other key partners.”
The company’s charging network features high-power DC fast charging stations designed for long-range EV travel. Sites are built with pull-through designs and full turning radius access to accommodate large vehicles or trailers. PowerUp also provides a mobile app for locating charging stations.
To expand its network, PowerUp collaborates with state agencies, utilities, real estate developers, and private landowners. The company promotes workforce development and job creation as part of its partnerships, framing its mission as more than just installing chargers. PowerUp sees its work as helping to build community, support grid resilience, and strengthen local economies through clean energy.
PowerUp America’s regional strategy targets the infrastructure gap in the Southeast, where EV adoption is rising but charging options remain limited. The company focuses on reliability and accessibility, aiming to make EV ownership more practical for long-distance travel and fleet operations. By leveraging regional partnerships and an experienced team, PowerUp is positioning itself to play a major role in the next phase of America’s EV transition.
Kempower Designs and Manufactures DC Fast-Charging Solutions for Electric Vehicles and Heavy-Duty Machines
Kempower is a Finnish company that designs and manufactures DC fast-charging solutions for electric vehicles and heavy-duty machines. The company is headquartered in Lahti, Finland, and has operations in North America and several European countries.
Kempower produces modular and scalable charging systems for passenger cars, commercial fleets such as buses and trucks, and off-highway equipment. Its system uses a central power unit from which multiple satellite charging posts can draw power, allowing many plugs to operate from one module. The system can allocate available power across multiple charging points depending on demand, which optimizes grid use and reduces bottlenecks. Kempower chargers support various connector types for different markets and vehicles. They are designed for high uptime and reliability, capable of operating in harsh conditions and outdoor environments.
The company announced a charging solution in 2025 capable of up to 1.2 megawatts of dynamic charging power, which can be distributed among up to eight charging points and includes a heavy-duty connector supporting up to 700 amperes. Kempower opened a manufacturing facility in Durham, North Carolina, to serve the U.S. and Canadian markets and create jobs. It has been recognized as one of Europe’s fastest growing companies, highlighting its rapid expansion. The company also launched financing options to make the deployment of charging infrastructure more affordable.
Kempower positions itself as a B2B supplier of charging hardware and system solutions rather than a consumer-facing network. Its modularity allows sites to start small and expand as demand grows. The company emphasizes compatibility across vehicle types and geographic markets. Its solutions address common challenges in charging infrastructure, including grid constraints, uptime, space limitations, and multi-use fleets.
As electric vehicles and heavy-duty electrification expand, the demand for fast, reliable DC charging infrastructure is increasing. Kempower’s focus on modular and heavy-duty-ready systems places it in a strong position to support these trends. Its production presence in both Europe and North America provides geographic diversification. The company continues to face competitive and operational challenges, including grid access, permitting, site selection, and utilization, but its modular design and financing options are advantages in the deployment of EV charging infrastructure.
