Panevėžys EV Hub: A Global Leader in E-Mobility Infrastructure
The Panevėžys EV Hub, developed and operated by Eldrive, has been officially shortlisted among the Top 10 best electric vehicle (EV) charging stations globally for 2025. This recognition follows Eldrive’s participation in the global “Best EV Hub in the World” competition,which celebrates the world’s most innovative and user-centric EV infrastructure projects.
“After two years of intensive work, we are proud to open the first hub of this type in Lithuania,” said Tomas Tamašauskas,Country Manager of Eldrive Lithuania. “The number of electric vehicles is rapidly growing in our country, and this project is a response to the clear need for a more robust, accessible, and future-ready charging infrastructure.”
The Competition: Global Recognition for Innovation
The ‘Best EV Hub in the World’ competition is presented by Insight Research, supported by Vontier and Visa. In March 2025, a global panel of judges—featuring respected names like Dan Munford, Ganesh Kalpundi, Anna Grau, Andy Bennett, George Zheng, Christian Warning, Claudio Reboredo, Rich Wilcox, Mark Bloxham, Harry Milloff, and David Davis—independently evaluated each entry. Their combined scores determined the Top 10 shortlist, announced on April 8, which opened the public voting stage.
Now, the global EV industry is invited to cast votes until May 8, with the winner announced on May 15, 2025. The competition not only promotes best practices but also fosters collaboration and inspiration, as captured by 2024 winner Lars Østbye, Managing Director of Certas Energy Norway AS:
“We said we wanted to inspire our own organisation with the things that we do, that’s exactly what this competitionis about, right?”
Panevėžys: Lithuania’s First Full-Service EV Hub
Officially opened on December 11, 2024, the Panevėžys EV Hub is the first of its kind in Lithuania and the Baltic region.Located on the Panevėžys bypass along the Via Baltica corridor, it connects Vilnius and Riga, two of the busiest capitals in the region.
Covering 1.5 hectares, the site includes a 318m² building, offering a parents’ room, rest/work zones, and food & beverage services. Ten ultra-fast 200 kW chargers support simultaneous charging for up to 20 vehicles, with a total planned capacity exceeding 2 MW.
“The greatest challenges involved delivering high-capacity electrical infrastructure and meeting the highest international standards,” said Stefan Spassov, CEO of Eldrive. “But we’re proud to say that this hub is ready for the next decade of mobility.”
Comfort and Convenience in One Stop
Thanks to a partnership with Reitan Convenience, the Panevėžys site includes Caffeine and Narvesen outlets, giving drivers access to fresh coffee, snacks, and quick service amenities.
“This is one of the first sites in the region where both of our brands operate side by side,” said Saulius Žilėnas, CEO of Reitan Convenience Lithuania. “This location is ideal for both quick stops and longer stays. It brings the city café experience to the highway and supports our sustainability mission.”
A drive-in lane further enhances speed and convenience for travelers on tight schedules.
National Expansion: Second Hub Opened on A1Highway
On February 19, 2025, Eldrive officially opened its second EV charging hub—this time on the Vilnius–Klaipėda highway at the 156th kilometer, marking the first full-service EV park on Lithuania’s main national road.
“This is another major step forward in promoting e-mobility in Lithuania,” said Tomas Tamašauskas. “The location is ideal—midway between Vilnius and Klaipėda—and allows drivers from both directions to charge quickly, rest, and continue their journey.”
This highway hub also features 10 ultra-fast200 kW chargers, Caffeine, and Narvesen. Total investment exceeded €2 million,with plans to add more chargers, including options for heavy-duty electric vehicles in the near future.
Third Hub Near Varėna Coming in June
The growth continues: a third Eldrive hub,near Varėna, is scheduled to open in June 2025. It will include a Caffeine café and five ultra-fast chargers—some with up to 400 kW capacity.
“Our goal is to create a nationwide network of charging parks that enable seamless EV travel across Lithuania,” said Tomas Tamašauskas. “This is a core part of our strategy—and it’s becoming a reality.”
Pioneering Sustainable Transport in theBaltics
Founded in 2015, Eldrive operates over 2,000charging points across Lithuania, Bulgaria, and Romania, with a goal to reach 8,500 stations by 2028. With support from partners like ABB, Alpitronic, and AMPECO, Eldrive is defining the future of sustainable transport in Eastern Europe.
The Top 10 global nomination for the PanevėžysEV Hub reflects not only its technical achievement and investment but also Eldrive’s broader vision: to build an EV charging ecosystem that is smart,scalable, and centered on the needs of the modern traveler.
