Innovations, Latvia, Technology, Transport

The Transport Ministry explains that, according to the original Electric Mobility Development Plan, 235 fast charging stations were to be set up in the entire territory of Latvia.

However, much has changed since the plan was adopted in 2013, and there are new technologies available for development of more efficient electric vehicle network.

The Highway Traffic Safety Directorate last June carried out an analysis of electric vehicle infrastructure and new technologies, and concluded that, in order to ensure efficiency of the electric vehicle network and compatibility with Latvia's regional policy principles, only 50 kilowatt DC stations have to be built in Latvia and no 22 kilowatt AC stations, as stipulated in the original version of the plan.

The Transport Ministry points out that, based on the latest estimates, 155 charging stations have to be built in Latvia. Taking into consideration that five DC stations have already been built, 150 more have to be built. The cost of these stations, however, is comparable to the cost of the original number of stations to be built as the new stations are technologically more advanced and powerful.

The Transport Ministry believes that the electric vehicle network will encourage private individuals and companies opt to buy electric vehicles, and there will be 747 electric vehicles in Latvia by the end of 2023.