Electric Vehicle Driver Expectations Drive Charging Infrastructure Development

The steady rise in electric and hybrid vehicles on Swedish roads is creating demand for expanded charging infrastructure. Patrik Andersson, CEO of GARO Group, emphasizes that the number of charging stations must grow in parallel with the vehicle increase.

"The trend is clear – Swedes want to switch to electric vehicles for environmental reasons. This means the number of charging stations must increase nationwide," Andersson states. GARO, active in e-mobility since 2008, offers advanced products enabling internet connectivity, data sharing with other devices and vehicles, and efficient power management.

Andersson anticipates that electrification will alter how people approach vehicle charging. Charging opportunities will be sought at locations where other activities can be performed simultaneously, such as shopping or exercising. Employers, property owners, and service providers need to consider this shift.

Charging speed is also a critical factor. GARO has developed the new Althea fast charger, designed to withstand demanding Nordic climate conditions. The station supports both CHAdeMO and CCS standards and can charge a vehicle's battery from 20% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes.

For home charging, Andersson recommends a dedicated charging unit, such as a wallbox, over a standard electrical outlet to mitigate overheating and fire risks. Smart features, like usage statistics collection via the GARO G-Cloud service, facilitate fair cost allocation, for instance, in housing associations.