Zaptec investing in Swedish electric car boom
Forecasts from the industry group Power Circle show that Sweden will have up to 2.5 million rechargeable vehicles on its roads by 2030. Now Zaptec is looking to get involved and contribute to the positive development taking place in the country next door.
Zaptec Expands Into the Swedish Electric Car Market
Over the past few years, Zaptec’s smart charging solutions have become a leader in Norway’s world-class electric car market. Now, Zaptec is taking its expertise across borders with the launch of Zaptec Sweden earlier this year.
Interest in rechargeable vehicles is rapidly increasing in Sweden. At the start of the year, there were already around 70,000 electric and hybrid cars on Swedish roads. According to Power Circle, Sweden's electric power industry group, the country is on the brink of an electric car boom. By 2030, projections estimate 2.5 million rechargeable vehicles on Sweden’s roads.
A Strategic Partnership
Expanding into a new market comes with challenges and opportunities. To ensure success, Zaptec has partnered with Power Circle’s industry network to leverage local expertise.
“It will be exciting to see how Zaptec fits into our network,” says Daniel Kulin, Power Circle’s E-mobility Expert. “Zaptec brings valuable international perspectives, and we can learn a lot from their experience in Norway’s market.”
Through the partnership, Power Circle will also provide Zaptec with insights into the Swedish market and the political landscape shaping EV developments.
Sweden’s Positive Electric Vehicle Growth
Power Circle works to highlight the potential of electrification, increase transport sector capacity, and facilitate knowledge-sharing among stakeholders.
Historically, Sweden’s energy industry hasn’t been closely tied to transportation, as the country imports all its fuel. However, the rise of EVs and smart technologies is creating a shift in the industry.
“The power industry is eager to explore new business opportunities related to e-mobility,” says Kulin. He notes that Sweden’s EV growth is following a positive S-curve, similar to Norway’s, albeit at a slightly slower pace.
While Norway has pioneered EV adoption, Sweden is using its lessons to optimize its approach. For instance, Sweden’s high-capacity power network supports smarter, more organic expansion of charging infrastructure compared to Norway’s segmented development.
Consumer Demand Drives Charging Infrastructure
The rise in Swedish EV sales is mirrored by steady investment in charging infrastructure.
“We have a mentality of embracing new technologies and see electrification as an improvement,” says Kulin. He cites housing cooperatives investing in charging stations even when no residents currently own an electric car as evidence of this forward-thinking attitude.
This mindset could give Zaptec an advantage in the Swedish market. While local producers of charging solutions work in small volumes, Zaptec’s experience scaling in Norway positions it to meet high demand effectively.
Sustaining Growth Through Skills and Support
For Sweden to maintain its positive EV momentum, Kulin emphasizes the need for continued support schemes.
Sweden’s bonus-malus system provides grants of up to SEK 60,000 to EV buyers. Though set to be revised soon, Kulin is optimistic that support will increase rather than decrease.
Despite the availability of cheaper EV models, Kulin notes that most buyers currently have strong purchasing power. He stresses the importance of investing in capacity and skills, particularly in engineering, to support the electrification of Sweden’s transportation sector.
“Sweden is a strong automotive nation, but we need new expertise,” says Kulin. “When Volvo launches its first electric car, the Swedes will realize this is for real. I just hope it happens soon!”