The Evolution of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations: From a Metal Box to an Information Center

Currently, the charging network is rapidly expanding in all Baltic countries, and active electric vehicle drivers have noticed another interesting thing - the increasing number of charging stations with large screens on which you can see a lot of charging information - instant and average power, its graphs, peaks and troughs. We talked to ABB’s Baltic Electrification Business Manager Dainius Bružas about how charging infrastructure is changing.

According to him, more attention is currently being paid to the user experience. This includes not only screens with a lot of interesting information, but also a convenient charging cable storage system, the ability to pay for charging not only through apps, but also using integrated bank card payment terminals. Much attention is also being paid to the durability of the stations. It is important that the investments of charging network operators pay off, which is why silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductors are used, which allows for 20–40% lower energy losses compared to conventional silicon solutions, and the expected service life is up to 10 years.

An ABB representative says that charging station manufacturers cooperate with electric vehicle manufacturers and are always ready to provide the most suitable solution for faster and more reliable charging of the latest electric vehicles. Modern electric cars already travel far and fast, and charging takes a fairly short time. This was also confirmed in the 2025 Ignitis ON electric car competition. Some teams drove from Palanga to Pärnu without additional charging and with a significant amount left. All that was needed was to adhere to one important thing – not to exceed the permitted speed. D. Bružas noted that major technological changes in charging stations should not be expected in the coming years. The majority of stations being installed have a power of up to 200 kW, and a number of manufacturers can also provide charging devices with a power of 300-400 kW to the market. Such figures currently satisfy electric car manufacturers, because even during long trips, up to 30 minutes stops are made every 3-4 hours. A stop for charging, during which drivers can rest or have a snack, is not a factor that significantly increases the travel time. And yes ABB is already producing 1.2 MW stations but those are mainly for trucks and busses.

Many large companies in the Baltic region are changing their company cars to electric cars. In Lithuania, Ignitis, Telia, Narbutas, Lietuvos Paštas, etc. are leading the way. ABB says that by the end of 2026 they will fully electrify their company car fleet. Out of the 39 cars currently owned in the Baltic States, 27 are electric cars. In order to implement its vision for the future, ABB has made significant investments in its operations in Vilnius. The company has doubled the capacity of the solar power plant installed on ABB's territory to 100 kW. We can remind you that the third fast charging station in Lithuania was installed on ABB's territory in Vilnius, and currently there are 2 fast (50 kW and 90 kW) and 18 slow charging stations there. D. Bružas notes that ABB is showing businesses in the Baltic States by its example that electric cars have long ceased to be just the future in our countries. ABB started electrification of its transport in the Baltic States 4-5 years ago and during that time has become convinced that the right path is 100% electrified transport.

Anyone can participate in the Ignitis ON electric car competition. Rules and registration can be found at www.evrace.lt