Vilnius residents will be able to charge their electric cars from lampposts: a solution for those living in apartment blocks

The idea to charge electric cars from lampposts has become a reality – the first 9 such charging stations have begun operating in Vilnius. By the end of 2023, the City of Vilnius will install around a total of 100 stations of this type – this amount should stimulate the growth of the number of electric cars in the capital. The municipality plans to increase the number of such stations to at least 2,000 by 2030, and if it succeeds in receiving support from the European Union – twice the amount.

“Half of the Lithuanian electric cars in use drive in Vilnius, their number will surely continue to grow,” says Vilnius Mayor Remigijus Šimašius. “But to make an electric car an attractive option not only for those who live in private homes or have a charging station by their workplace, the city also needs to expand their network for convenient sharing. It is a win-win situation not only for electric car users but also for all Vilnius residents, who will have cleaner air to breathe.”

The Mayor also emphasizes that the lampposts with integrated charging stations also meet the new street standard, according to which redundant street elements must be avoided, whilst the existing ones must be multifunctional.

Photos by A. Kačerauskas

Currently, 9 electric car charging stations have been already installed on lampposts in different districts: at Architektų g. 60A, Rugių g. 37, Girulių g. 5, K. Ulvydo g. 7, S. Žukausko g. 41, Santariškių g. 31, Smolensko g. 39, S. Konarskio g. 20, Rinktinės g. 9. The station locations have been selected after considering the residents’ requests, mass demand, and technical possibilities.

For the installation of the charging stations, lampposts, by which electric cars can be parked easily, have been chosen. Most charging stations will be in apartment block neighbourhoods and other public spaces. To be easily recognized and not blocked by non-electric cars, the charging stations are marked with relevant traffic signs.

“The city continues to modernize its lighting, and the saved energy resources allow it to offer a charging service to its citizens,” says Andrius Deimantas, Director of the Vilnius lighting company UAB Vilniaus apšvietimas. “The solution does not require expensive additional installation work – the existing infrastructure is used.“

According to the charging stations development plan of the City of Vilnius, by 2030 most attention will be first paid to densely populated city areas. The first phase of the plan is aimed at having a charging station no more than 500 meters away from residents, and the second phase will reduce this distance to 300 meters.

UAB Vilniaus apšvietimas (the Vilnius lighting company) offers three types of charging stations: for fast, medium, and normal charging. Stations installed on lampposts are for normal charging. At fast charging stations, residents will be able to charge their vehicles for free, while at other charging stations – at day and night electricity price rates.

An interactive map with charging stations is published on UAB Vilniaus apšvietimas  website www.vilniausapsvietimas.lt. The map shows a list of stations, charging prices, which mobile app to use, and other information about a station. After scanning the QR code on the charging station and downloading the app, you can start a charging session and control the station – start and end the charging and easily pay for the service.

Stations, that are installed on lampposts, will only work during the dark hours of the day when there is electrical voltage in the lampposts. Therefore, the possible charging time will be longer in winter and shorter in summer. The stations will be marked with special traffic signs, showing both the parking space and the additional reservation for charging electric cars from 11 pm to 7 am. Non-electric cars and electric cars that are not charging will not be able to park there or park at the time that is reserved for charging. At other times of the day, the spaces are meant for normal (general) parking.

The municipal company Susisiekimo paslaugos (Transport Services) will control the use of the stations according to this model.

The installation of charging stations on lampposts is financed by UAB Vilniaus apšvietimas, the City of Vilnius, and the European Union; public procurement is carried out for the development of the network.