The use of electric vehicles increases worldwide and it is natural that it happens also in Latvia. Although the number of electric vehicles is not large, it is expected that it will reach significant levels in this decade. It will require establishment of an extensive electric vehicles charging network, and also new business forms will emerge, offering various types of additional services besides the electromobility service.

Since 2011, when Latvenergo registered the first electric vehicles Fiat Fiorino Elettrico in Latvia, the development of electromobility has been studied and followed within the Group.

In 2019, the first commercial charging stations were opened in Latvia under Latvenergo Group's trading brand Elektrum, planning to establish a network of charging stations and to offer also other consumption products related to electromobility in the future. Latvenergo network of charging stations is developed based on the demand principle, ensuring fast and slow charging possibilities for the customer, as well as the most convenient user experience with a specifically designed app and payment system for the amount of charged electricity.

The amount of electricity used for charging at our charging stations increases on a daily basis, as well as the number of unique electric vehicles charged at these stations - there are only rare moments, when no vehicles are charged at charging stations. This proves that the idea of electromobility grows and develops also in Latvia. It is estimated that we can expect expansion of the charging infrastructure already soon, as the forecasts show that there could be more than 10,600 passenger electric vehicles in Latvia in 2025, whereas in 2030 – already more than 30,000 passenger electric vehicles.

Respectively, also charging possibilities will expand – according to the forecasted number of electric vehicles there could be at least 40,000 home charging stations in 2030. Whereas the number of public charging stations could be at least 1,000 five years from now, and 3,600 10 years from now all around Latvia.

Logically, alongside an expanded network of electric vehicles charging stations also the demand for electricity specifically for transport needs will increase; therefore, changes are expected also in the infrastructure of electricity distribution and supply network.

The direction towards electromobility is determined by a specifically created climate policy, a range of countries worldwide undertaking to reduce CO₂ emissions by 2050. The road to decarbonisation is most actively paved by the European Union policy, identifying the largest potential benefit in the transport segment through its electrification.

The European Union growth strategy is the so called European Green Deal, which is aimed at making Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. Henceforward all EU activities and policies will be directed to fulfilment of this goal, among other things – to accelerate transition to sustainable and smart mobility.

Termination of sales of petrol and diesel cars in 2025 is planned by Norway, in 2030 – by Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, India, Slovenia, Ireland, and in 2040 – by France and Great Britain.

Also the automotive industry is ready for electromobility – due to this segment growing rapidly, all leading companies offer a wide range of electric vehicles, their offer becoming more affordable and efficient, as well as diverse – from a small city car to a sports model. An electric vehicle can travel increasingly longer distances, their batteries become more powerful and it is estimated that also their price will change. The demand for electric vehicles grows especially rapidly in China, where, according to forecasts, electric vehicles will constitute 35% of the total sales volume in 2030 (in USA – 14%, EU – 31%).

In 2019, Latvenergo under the trading brand Elektrum opened electric vehicle charging stations in Riga, Uzvaras Boulevard 7, Pulkveža Brieža Street 12, and in Jūrmala, Jomas Street 4.

These stations provide both fast and medium speed charging option, and charging can be done by two electric vehicles simultaneously. Only green energy is provided at charging stations, thus even more respecting those customers who have chosen an electric vehicle due to environmental considerations. Charging and settlement of payments is possible through the charging section of the specifically created Elektrum mobile app. A significant aspect is that payments at these charging stations are made for consumed kilowatt-hours (kWh). It is a more convenient and precise method, so that the customer could assess the battery charging volume.

Elektrum charging stations