Lithuania should not lag behind these trends either. In 2023 alone, the number of electric car registrations in Lithuania reached record highs – compared to 2022, they increased by more than 80 percent.
The market is expanding
According to “Regitras”, the number of electric charging cars registered in Lithuania on March 1 reached 20.7 thousand. If we manage to avoid unforeseen turbulences in the market, we should end the year with close to 30 thousand. electric cars.
However, not everyone is in a hurry to buy electric cars, and some people even buy an electric car and sell it after a couple of years.
He does not plan to buy electric cars
Panevėžys district municipality currently has 40 cars. The most popular car brand is Volkswagen. There are even ten of them. Also, the Municipality has seven Opel cars, five Nissan cars, two each from Toyota, Mazda, Honda and KIA, and one from other brands.
Edmundas Toliušis, director of Panevėžys district municipality administration, explained that for the time being the Municipality has enough cars.
“We are not planning to buy electric cars in the near future. We do not have an installed base – there are no installed charging stations for electric cars. Therefore, today we do not follow fashion and what we have is enough. The matter has not matured, and it is not worth buying especially for showing off. By the way, when there is a need to renew the Municipality’s car fleet, we will also think about electric cars”, said E. Toliušis and said that the price of electric cars is not so cheap.
Sold an electric car
The electric car was sold by the pastor of Krekenava Basilica, Dr. Gediminas Jankūnas. Having purchased an electric car almost two years ago, the priest gave it up and returned to a traditional gasoline-powered car.
The clergyman explained why he sold the electric car.
“Long-distance trips by electric car are a challenge. You have to calculate how far you can drive with a loaded car, because the development of charging stations in Lithuania is slow, there are not enough public and free stations. I realized that after going to Vilnius, in order to return to Krekenava, I have to calculate whether there will be enough energy”, admitted the clergyman, but said that he regretted a little that he had to give up and sell the electric car.
Environmentalists drive electric cars
The Department of Environmental Protection updated the car fleet and on April 4, sixteen new Volkswagen ID.3 electric cars of the Department of Environmental Protection rolled out on the streets, which replaced the old, mostly diesel-powered cars. Electric cars will be used by environmentalists from 8 regional units, including Panevėžys. 8 charging stations for electric cars are installed at the departments of the department.
Operation is more expensive
Arnoldas Grazys, CEO of Panevėžy bus park, said that he recently bought used buses.
“We are not planning to buy electric buses yet – I am a skeptic. Although everyone is happy with electric cars, they are more expensive to operate. The European Union does not provide enough funds to buy electric buses. In addition, the company has very limited electricity resources, and we do not have cheap electricity. Every city in the country chooses how it is better. Therefore, some buy electric buses, while others doubt whether it is worth buying. On the other hand, how will people react if the electric bus stops in the middle of the forest during the winter and can no longer drive?” A. Gražys wondered.
Electric cars are in demand
UAB “Kredora” is the official representative of the “Volkswagen” concern, which started its activities in the summer of 1998. The company sells new and used Volkswagen cars and electric cars.
“In the city of Panevėžys, charging stations for electric cars are properly equipped. Therefore, the demand for electric cars is not bad, every fifth car sold is an electric car. We sell “ID.4” and “ID.3″ electric cars. These cars, the price of which is up to 50 thousand euros, the residents of Panevėžys city and Panevėžys district are buying,” said company manager Dainius Melaika.
