Charging Infrastructure as the Foundation of E-Mobility

Changes in the world, especially in science and technology, are occurring rapidly. Such transformations have not bypassed the automotive industry. A revolutionary shift in transportation can be summed up in one word—e-mobility. However, this is not a phenomenon without historical roots. The ideas behind electric vehicles, specifically a series of inventions from batteries to electric motors, date back to the 19th century when true pioneers created the simplest models of cars and carriages powered by electric motors. After decades, these early visions have become everyday topics in modern discourse on sustainable transport.

Photo: Charge&GO

In Serbia, e-mobility began developing intensively during this century. The first electric vehicles in the country appeared relatively recently. Still, thanks to rapid technological advancements and growing demand, they have become increasingly common, particularly since the start of this decade. The development of charging infrastructure, government support, and the availability of electric models from an increasing number of car manufacturers have driven this trend.

Charge&GO is a pioneering company in Serbia in the field of e-mobility. Its development began in 2017 with the installation of its first chargers, followed by work on an app and platform. The company launched the first regional platform and mobile app with a network of chargers, enabling quick and simple charging of electric vehicles, which is essential for popularizing e-mobility. Currently, the company operates 27 AC and 83 DC connectors. The number of registered users exceeds 3,500 and grows daily.

Most installed chargers are located in and around Belgrade, but the network is rapidly expanding to meet user needs. Chargers have been activated recently at three new locations—Nova Crnja, Kikinda, and the OMV station at Ada Ciganlija—carefully chosen based on user demand. These new locations indicate that infrastructure development is not solely focused on Belgrade, signaling an increasing demand for chargers across various parts of Serbia. Due to its geographical position, particularly during the summer, Serbia often serves as a transit country, highlighting the need for local infrastructure, as evidenced by the growing number of foreign drivers each year.

IN FOCUS:

How to Access the Chargers

Installing chargers through Charge&GO begins with contacting their expert engineering team. The company caters to both individuals and businesses. Choosing a suitable charger depends on the type of vehicle, available power capacities at certain locations, such as gas stations and shopping centers, the installation site, and other factors. Charge&- GO operates on a turnkey principle, taking responsibility for all installation phases, from planning to project completion.

Charge&GO acts as a system integrator for renowned manufacturers like ABB, Schneider Electric, Siemens, and Kostad, ensuring the quality and reliability of the installed chargers. Besides installation, the company offers annual maintenance services to extend the lifespan of chargers and ensure safe charging for users. Maintenance contracts have been signed with numerous companies with which Charge&GO has partnered.

As repeatedly demonstrated, adopting electric vehicles and building adequate infrastructure are inextricably linked. The widespread use of electric vehicles is only possible with a robust accompanying network of chargers. The success of e-mobility in Serbia, as elsewhere, depends on the balanced development of both segments. This year’s European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) report highlights the imbalance issue. Between 2017 and 2023, electric car sales in the EU grew three times faster than the rate of charger installations, prompting estimates that the EU will need to install chargers eight times faster annually by 2030 to meet its goals. Such data underscores the argument that sustaining electric vehicle growth becomes challenging without a proportional increase in the charging network. Therefore, companies like Charge&GO are vital pillars of e-mobility adoption.

Prepared by Milica Vučković

The story was published in the Energy portal Magazine ECOLOGICAL TRANSPORT

READ MORE

komentari

FEATURED