Daily EV news · Canada · 3 September 2026

Finnish charging firm Kempower has secured a framework agreement with DP World to deploy EV infrastructure across the operator's five Canadian port terminals in Vancouver, Fraser Surrey, Nanaimo, Prince Rupert and Saint John. The first phase installs 4.4 MW of capacity via 46 Kempower satellites at three sites, with Vancouver already live, to charge service vehicles and container handling equipment. The deal includes service level commitments on availability and reliability for round the clock cargo operations and provides a common platform for expansion as more equipment electrifies.

Why it matters: The framework establishes Kempower as the charging supplier for a multi site port network with a sixth terminal under construction at Contrecoeur, signalling a long term procurement pipeline for heavy duty depot charging. Service level guarantees on uptime reflect the operational criticality of charging in 24/7 logistics environments, a key differentiator for CPOs targeting industrial fleets.

Octopus Energy has released Octopus Charge, a free iOS and Android app that consolidates access to 211,221 public EV chargers in the United States and Canada. The app integrates 24 partner networks including Shell Recharge, ChargePoint, EVgo, Blink, bp pulse, FLO, EV Connect, Circle K, and Circuit Électrique, allowing drivers to locate, start sessions, and pay without additional fees beyond each network's listed price. Features include an EV route planner, real time availability, and filters for charging speed, connector type, and network operator.

Why it matters: For CPOs and network operators, the app creates a unified discovery and payment layer that could shift driver behaviour towards networks offering competitive pricing and reliable uptime data. Procurement teams evaluating interoperability solutions now have a live North American benchmark for multi network aggregation at scale.

VinFast is marketing its seven seat VF 9 electric SUV to Canadian drivers ahead of summer road trip season, highlighting up to 518 km of EPA estimated range, three zone climate control, and Camp Mode that maintains cabin cooling while parked. The company notes that 55 per cent of Canadian summer travel between June and September is by road, with the average Canadian driving 18 hours during the season. One VF 9 owner reported completing a 400 km-plus family trip with the vehicle maintaining comfort throughout.

Why it matters: The push underscores VinFast's effort to position long range electric SUVs as viable for extended Canadian journeys, a key use case for fleet and rental operators evaluating charging infrastructure needs along popular summer routes. Demand for vehicles with Camp Mode and extended range may inform site selection and power capacity planning for charging networks serving tourism corridors.