Virta Ltd, a Finnish company specialising in electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions, is currently at a pivotal growth stage.
“We aim to help our customers scale their operations, anticipating a significant increase in the number of charge points on our platform in the coming years,” says Jorrit Berkhout, Sales Director, to Mobility Portal Europe.
Founded in 2013, the firm has established itself as a critical player at the intersection of eMobility and energy systems, with the objective of facilitating the transition towards a sustainable energy ecosystem.
In this context, Virta has developed a business model that extends beyond merely offering charging infrastructure.
Its charge point management software (CPMS) enables operators (CPOs) and eMobility service providers (EMSPs) to manage their operations efficiently.
According to Mr. Berkhout, the CPO OPEX savings achieved by migrating from in-house CPMS have been as high as 80%.
The company’s standard proposition include a white-label interface for CPOs and a mobile app for drivers, whilst allowing the solution to be tailored to each client’s specific needs.
Additionally, it provides services to various-sized organisations venturing into “refuelling” station installations, delivering a Software as a Service (SaaS) solution.
Berkhout highlights that within the CPMS, dedicated modules for CPOs and mobility providers constitute its core products, widely used across diverse sectors.
“We serve a broad range of customers, both directly and indirectly, from core-player CPOs to organisations from different industries that are venturing into offering EV charging services, for example with backgrounds in real estate&retail, parking, public sector, automotive and also corporate fleets,” he remarks.
This has positioned Virta as a strategic partner for various industries seeking adaptable EV charging solutions.
Virta and the challenge of renewable energy
One of the main challenges facing eMobility is the inherent volatility of green energy sources.
In this context, Virta helps to utilise EVs not only as a mode of transport but also as power storage units and flexible load that can help stabilise the electrical grid.
“If you think about resource efficiency and renewable energy usage, EVs offer a storage solution through their batteries, which is essential for managing the variability of clean power sources,” Berkhout explains.
This approach enables Virta to contribute to both charging infrastructure and the development of a more balanced energy system.
Network expansion and new technologies
Currently, Virta operates over 120,000 charge points in 35 countries, and its digital platform provides users with access to over 550,000 “refuelling” stations in more than 65 countries through roaming agreements.
In response to rising demand, the company anticipates considerable growth in its network in the coming years.
“We focus on helping our customers scale their operations, so we include roaming options and support for large-scale operations,” Berkhout adds.
He emphasises that Virta is prepared to meet market evolution, particularly in motorway fast charging and fleet “refuelling”, by for example providing a most complete range of access and payment methods; from extensive roaming to various integrated payment card terminal and payment kiosks to dynamic QR-codes in order to maximise traffic and utilisation rates.
In this context, the company’s growth has attracted clients from various sectors, including fuel companies entering the eMobility space.
“Many of our clients come from the fuel sector and are investing in charging infrastructure to meet their customers’ needs in a shifting market,” notes the Sales Director.
These clients are increasingly investing in direct current (DC) fast charging, a trend strongly encouraged within the European Union.
Outlook for the eMobility sector
Virta’s commitment to a sustainable future goes beyond expanding EV “refuelling” points.
The company has developed 40 patent families focused on energy management and has been included, for the fifth consecutive year, in the Financial Times’ list of Europe’s 1,000 fastest-growing companies.
Berkhout underscores that Virta’s priority is to facilitate eMobility through advanced technologies and efficient energy management.
“Our platform not only enables a personalised user experience but also incorporates load balancing, charging prioritisation, and CO2 credits as part of a comprehensive solution. These play a pivotal role in making the CPO business case profitable” he states.
In this regard, he concludes: “Our true success lies in the cumulative growth of charge points and EV users globally. This demonstrates the strong presence and reputation we have built as pioneers in this field.”
