Lahti Region Leads the Way in Heavy-Duty Electrification

21.11.2024

Electrification of transport is a global megatrend, and the Lahti region stands at the forefront with world-class expertise. This shift has already become an everyday reality and is set to play a critical role in powering heavy-duty transport.

On Thursday, November 28, 2024, the international New Trends of Electrification (NTE) event will bring together leading experts and stakeholders in Lahti to explore the future of heavy-duty transport electrification, advancements in energy systems, and sustainable development solutions.

Insights on Sustainable Transport Solutions

The event will feature perspectives on the future of electric transport, its opportunities, and challenges, with a focus on solutions for heavy-duty transport. Notable speakers include Magnus Björklund, CEO of Volvo Finland Ab and Board Member of the Finnish Central Organisation for Motor Trades and Repairs; Stefan Büchele, Head of International Cooperation at eMobil BW, focusing on international collaboration; Timo Nurmi, Head of Communications at Posti; and Jani Ekman, Head of Strategy & PMO at Neste.

From Partnership to Practical Solutions

The Kempower-led Heavy Electric Traffic Ecosystem (HETE) program, launched in March 2024, is the largest R&D investment ever made in Päijät-Häme, funded by Business Finland. With over 100 partners, HETE is addressing the challenges of heavy-duty transport electrification, including charging technology, different environments, and business models.

“HETE has gotten off to a dynamic start. In the coming months, our goal is to create a framework that provides value for all organizations interested in heavy-duty transport electrification”, says Tommi Rissanen, Research Manager at HETE.
Participants will learn about the program’s latest developments and partnership opportunities at the event.

A Global Gathering in Lahti

The event is an excellent opportunity for experts, companies, and stakeholders to meet and exchange ideas about the industry's future.

“Registrations have come from as far as Germany and Doha”, notes Ruusa Aalto, Event Coordinator at LADEC.

"In the Lahti region, LUT Universities, the Electric Mobility Research Center (EMRC), the Lahti GEM – Green Electrification of Mobility Cluster, Kempower, and its ecosystem of over 100 partners provide world-class solutions for the electrification and commercialization of heavy-duty transport", says Pekka Komu, Business Development Manager at LADEC.

Program:

8:30 Coffee and registration

9:00 New Trends of Electrification 2024

Welcome Address from the City of Lahti
Olli Alho, Director of City Development, City of Lahti

Environmental Impacts of Heavy-Duty Electrification: Advancing EU and National Emission Goals
Tuuli Ojala, Senior Ministerial Adviser and Deputy Head of the Climate and Environment Unit, Finnish Ministry of Transport and Communications

Development of the Electrical System
Jukka Ruusunen, Industrial Professor, LUT University

The Road Ahead for Heavy Traffic Electrification
Jussi Vanhanen, CMO, Kempower

The Prospects of Electrification of Heavy Traffic: Posti's Vision and Future Outlook
Timo Nurmi, Head of Communications, Posti

Powering the Future of Heavy Transport
Jani Ekman, Head of Strategy & PMO, Neste

10:40 Networking break

11:00 Baden-Württemberg’s Future Mobility Ecosystem – with Special Focus on Electrification of Heavy-Duty Vehicles
Stefan Büchele, Head of International Cooperation, eMobil BW

Electrification of Mobility and Heavy-Duty Vehicles in GCC Countries
Moath Mohammad AlOmari, Chief Executive Officer, Algosystems Qatar W.L.L

11:45 Lunch break

12:45 Intermission Program

13:00 Together Towards Zero Emissions
Magnus Björklund, Managing Director, Volvo Finland

ESCALATE Project: Pathways to Silent and Energy-Efficient High-Power Charging
Marko Antila, Senior Scientist, VTT

Electrification and Autonomy of Heavy-Duty Vehicles
Risto Ojala, Assistant Professor in the Mechatronics research group, and head of the Autonomy & Mobility Laboratory, Aalto University

Green Corridor Framework in Terms of Electrification of Heavy Transport
Filip Franck, CEO and Partner, PBI

Panel Discussion: Summing Up the Day and Organizers' Future Perspectives

Closing words

-16:00 A toast and networking

There are a few places available at the event: New Trends of Electrification 2024

The event is organized together with Lahti GEM – Green Electrification of Mobility Cluster, Lahti Region Development LADEC Ltd, LUT University, LAB University of Applied Sciences, Kempower and Electric Mobility Research Center EMRC.

More information:

LUT University
Clean energy, water and air are life-giving resources for which we at LUT University seek new solutions with our expertise in technology, business and social sciences. We help society and businesses in their sustainable renewal. Our international community consists of nearly 8 000 members. Our campuses are in Lappeenranta and Lahti, Finland. We are one of the top universities in the world for climate action. www.lut.fi/en

Kempower
We design and manufacture reliable and user-friendly DC fast charging solutions for electric vehicles. Our vision is to create the most desired charging solutions worldwide for everyone, everywhere. Our product development and production are based in Finland and the USA, 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. Kempower’s 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 is listed in the Nasdaq First North Growth Market Finland. www.kempower.com

Lahti GEM – Green Electrification of Mobility Cluster
Lahti GEM – Green Electrification of Mobility Cluster – is a platform for companies, research and education organizations as well as cities. The platform is established to generate and maintain cooperation for developing and commercialising technologies and solutions for the cleaner future of mobility. Lahti GEM cooperation platform is coordinated by Lahti Region Development LADEC Ltd. www.lahtigem.fi

LAB University of Applied Sciences
The LAB University of Applied Sciences is a higher education institution specialising in innovation, business and industry. It operates in Lahti and Lappeenranta, Finland, and also online. We offer education in five fields: health care and social services, technology, business, hospitality, and design, fine arts and visual communication. We focus on supporting responsible, regenerative growth through intangible value creation, multipurpose materials, and human well-being. We employ 9 800 students and 550 teachers and RDI experts. www.lab.fi/en

Kempower Electric Mobility Research Center (EMRC)
Kempower, manufacturer of DC fast charging solutions for electric vehicles, and LUT University have jointly established the Kempower Electric Mobility Research Center (EMRC). EMRC aims to strengthen cross-disciplinary research on electric transportation and to develop education to meet the needs of future industry. EMRC is located at LUT’s Lahti campus. www.lut.fi/en/emrc

The event is organized as a part of the project: GEM Launcher (Dnro. 195/15.00.10.00/2023), funded by the Regional Council of Päijät-Häme and the Regional Support for Sustainable Growth and Vitality (AKKE).