We independently review every item we recommend. If you buy through our links, we may earn a small commission that helps us continue to make quality content for you. Thanks for your support!

Kempower | Fast Charging | Public Charging

PowerUp America Prepares To Launch Its First DC Fast Charging Station in Kentucky

The network will use 400-kW Kempower chargers.

By: Mark Kane

Published on November 1, 2025

PowerUp America, one of the latest aspiring EV charging networks in the US, is one step closer to launching its first DC fast-charging site.

Over the past few years, PowerUp America has been awarded contracts to build DC fast-charging stations at several locations under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. The list includes five sites in Tennessee, two in Virginia, and one in Kentucky.

The site in Manchester, Kentucky, is expected to go online first, before the end of 2025. The renderings of the station indicate that the location will closely resemble a typical fuel station layout, featuring pull-through stalls, a full turning radius, a canopy, and various amenities.

Rendering of a PowerUp charging station in Manchester, Kentucky. (Source: PowerUp America)

400 kW Kempower Chargers

In Q3 2025, PowerUp America placed orders for Kempower’s distributed DC fast-charging systems, and according to the company, the first units are already off the manufacturing floor.

ROLLING OFF THE LINE IN NORTH CAROLINA!

Our Kempower DC Fast Chargers are officially off the manufacturing floor and ready to power the road ahead. ⚡

Huge shoutout to our partners at @KempowerOyj for delivering world-class technology that keeps America charging forward.… pic.twitter.com/hnzQhIWZMC

— PowerUp America (@powerup_america) October 20, 2025

The first site in Manchester, Kentucky, will be equipped with two 400-kW power electronics cabinets, each with two satellite dispensers for a total of four stalls. The maximum power output is 400 kW (it decreases accordingly to the power demand at other bays).

The satellite dispensers are equipped with two connectors — one CCS1 and one NACS (SAE J3400) — for maximum compatibility, eliminating the need for adapters.

Depending on the demand, the site has space for additional stalls and additional power.

Regarding payments, a credit card reader will be available. An alternative option is to pay through an app.

PowerUp’s Kempower chargers. (Source: PowerUp America)

PowerUp America stated in one of its presentations that it aims to deploy DC fast-charging infrastructure in smaller cities, particularly across the Southeast. The plan is to cover some of the charging infrastructure gaps and find its niche in the market.

It will be interesting to see another player in the charging space. It’s also a chance for Kempower to expand its US footprint.

Share This!

URL has been copied successfully!

Have a tip for us? Email: [email protected]

Latest YouTube Updates From State Of Charge

My full review of the 50-amp Wolfbox WE50 electric vehicle charger.

Buy it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/47VE4iI

Written review article: https://evchargingstations.com/chargingnews/watch-wolfbox-we50-review/

This video is powered by Qmerit, North America's leading provider of installation services for EV charging equipment. Follow this unique link, and Qmerit will waive the $150 deposit: https://qmerit.com/ev/charge

Use my "STATEOFCHARGE" coupon to save on your NACS adapter here: https://a2zevshop.com/?ref=lsh8xAcYPbdmNg
Order the Lectron Vortex NACS adapter here: https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=2540907&u=2912074&m=96492&urllink=&afftrack=

Order one of my currently top-rated EV chargers:

Grizzl-E Ultimate 48-amp: https://grizzl-e.com/products/grizzl-e-ultimate-48/?hr=KRHU2MRQGI2A
Grizzl-E MINI: https://grizzl-e.com/products/grizzl-e-mini/?hr=KRHU2MRQGI2A
Emporia 48-amp: https://amzn.to/3EgDRGS
ChargePoint Home Flex: https://amzn.to/2V3Ye79
Wallbox Pulsar Plus 48: https://amzn.to/4fTQqbR
Autel Maxicharger W/Integrated Holster: https://amzn.to/3TVd20G
EVIQO 48-amp: https://eviqo.io/?ref=c0nLwakF8tvZBN
Tesla Universal Wall Connector: https://amzn.to/3DZWKBx

Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:36 Unboxing
07:53 Wolfbox WE50 key features
09:37 Installation
19:10 Cold weather testing
24:12 Extreme heat test
26:19 Automatic restart test
35:33 The Wolfbox app
38:58 RFID remote access
40:34 Personal thoughts after using the Wolfbox WE50
44:20 The Wolfbox warranty
45:39 ChargerRater score
49:18 The Wolfbox WE50 hits and misses
51:05 Outro
Outro

Note: I earn a commission on sales from the above links.

I traveled to Durham, North Carolina, for an in-depth interview with Phil Retsch, Ionna's Chief Engineer of Charging Technology, about the network's current state of affairs.

Part one: https://youtu.be/ulYM6uEYltw?si=w5okfT_36pN6wwS8

This video is powered by Qmerit, North America's leading provider of installation services for EV charging equipment. Follow this unique link, and Qmerit will waive the $150 deposit: https://qmerit.com/ev/charge

Use my "STATEOFCHARGE" coupon to save on your NACS adapter here: https://a2zevshop.com/?ref=lsh8xAcYPbdmNg
Order the Lectron Vortex NACS adapter here: https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=2540907&u=2912074&m=96492&urllink=&afftrack=

Check out my new EV charging website: https://evchargingstations.com/

Order one of my currently top-rated EV chargers:

Grizzl-E Ultimate 48-amp: https://grizzl-e.com/products/grizzl-e-ultimate-48/?hr=KRHU2MRQGI2A
Grizzl-E MINI: https://grizzl-e.com/products/grizzl-e-mini/?hr=KRHU2MRQGI2A
Emporia 48-amp: https://amzn.to/3EgDRGS
ChargePoint Home Flex: https://amzn.to/2V3Ye79
Wallbox Pulsar Plus 48: https://amzn.to/4fTQqbR
Autel Maxicharger W/Integrated Holster: https://amzn.to/3TVd20G
EVIQO 48-amp: https://eviqo.io/?ref=c0nLwakF8tvZBN
Tesla Universal Wall Connector: https://amzn.to/3DZWKBx

Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:23 Why is it called the Ionna Quarterback Lab?
03:50 The importance of compatibility testing for EVs on fast chargers
07:19 Will Ionna offer Plug & Charge for Tesla vehicles?
08:51 Is it an advantage that Ionna only uses chargers from one supplier (Alpitronic)?
10:37 Will Ionna install chargers that can deliver more than 400 kW?
12:00 Is the side display screen on the Alpitronic HCY400 a problem?
15:28 Is Ionna working on an app?
17:17 Will Ionna offer a discounted membership plan?
17:48 Is Ionna working to fix the Plug & Charge authentication issue it has?
18:43 Has the credit card reader's reliability been an issue?
19:55 Ionna's policy on DC charging adapters
23:05 What issue(s) have been harder than you expected them to be
26:16 Charger reliability and repairing the units
30:59 Summary
32:15 Outro

Note: I earn a commission on sales from the above links.

It's time for the Northeast Ford F-150 Lightning Club's annual meet, and this year, with the help of Ford, we organized a Frunk Or Treat event at Alstede Farm in Chester, New Jersey.

View More Subscribe

EVChargingStation’s Comment Policy

We welcome polite, respectful comments, but rudeness and personal attacks will not be tolerated. All comments are reviewed prior to publication. Thanks for joining in the conversation!

News

Reviews

PowerUp America Prepares To Launch Its First DC Fast Charging Station in Kentucky

The network will use 400-kW Kempower chargers.

400 kW Kempower Chargers

EXCLUSIVE: State Of Charge Visits Ionna Rechargery and Interviews CEO

Ionna Expanded to Kansas and Texas, Arizona Is Coming Next

Electrify America’s Congestion Reduction Effort: No Charging Beyond 85% SOC At 100+ Sites

Tesla Opens First Superchargers To Non-Tesla EVs In US

Latest YouTube Updates From State Of Charge

EVChargingStation’s Comment Policy

0 Comments

Submit a Comment Cancel reply