The energy commodities trader and convenience store network AS VIRŠI-A (hereinafter – Virši) continued the targeted development of its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure this year, installing 8 new, high-capacity charging stations across Latvia. In addition, at the end of December, Virši commenced operations in Lithuania by opening its first EV charging point at the Marijampole service station.
Over the course of the year, Virši has significantly increased both charging capacity and accessibility by opening charging stations at strategically important travel locations. Total investments in the charging network this year are estimated at EUR 800k.
Demand for EV charging within the Virši network continues to grow rapidly, and compared to 2024, the total volume of energy charged has more than doubled. At the same time, a positive trend has emerged: while their vehicles are charging, EV owners increasingly make use of the facility’s offerings, combining charging with a coffee break or a meal and thus using their time efficiently.
“Although competition in the EV charging sector is becoming increasingly intense and EU funding continues to flow into the market, Virši remains committed to its chosen development path thanks to a well-thought-out strategy and a strong focus on customer convenience. We are able to provide a full-service experience - while the vehicle is charging, customers can enjoy high-quality coffee and food. Moreover, we are the only market player offering a fully compliant and user-friendly payment system, allowing customers to pay for charging not only via an app, but also with bank cards, cash and even deposit vouchers,” says Anrijs Tukulis, Head of Sustainability and Energy Efficiency at Virši.
This year, new 200 kW charging stations were installed at the Viskaļi, Cēsis Saulrīti and Kuldīga service stations. A particularly powerful 400 kW charger is now available at the Salacgrīva service station, while in Riga, the Satekle location has been upgraded with a third charging unit with a capacity of 160 kW. This site can now simultaneously charge up to five electric vehicles, offering available capacity ranging from 40 to 320 kW and enabling tailored solutions for different vehicles. Meanwhile, a 40 kW charging station was installed at the “Gulbene” service station, becoming the first public EV charging station in the entire Gulbene municipality. At the very end of the year, further significant additions to the EV charging infrastructure were completed – a 240 kW charging station was installed in Sigulda, and in Lithuania, Marijampole, the first “Virši” charging station was opened, offering 160 kW and 40 kW charging capacities.
Assessing market development following the conclusion of the state support programme for the purchase of electric vehicles, it is expected that the sector will enter a new phase of maturity. In this phase, the decisive factor will no longer be merely the availability of charging points, but rather the level of service and overall convenience. Infrastructure development will continue, and customer choice will increasingly be driven by service quality and accessibility.
About Virši:
Virši is a rapidly growing local energy commodities trader and convenience store network with 30 years of experience. Currently, Virši operates 84 service stations and has more than 900 employees throughout Latvia. Since 11 November 2021, the shares of AS VIRŠI-A have been listed on the Nasdaq Riga First North Alternative Market.
Additional information:
Undīne Priekule
Communication Manager at Virši
Tel.: (+371) 26 141 219
E-mail: undine.priekule@virsi.lv
www.virsi.lv
