“We’re Experts in Vehicle Charging”
The transport sector is steadily moving towards electrification, with the shift particularly noticeable in heavy-duty transport. In 2024 alone, nearly 8,000 light and heavy electric trucks were newly registered in Sweden.
“With our solutions, you get a safe, long-lasting charging site,” says Carl-Fredrik Gyllenhammar, who leads Holtab’s emobility initiatives.
There is strong demand for charging infrastructure from a range of industries – including builders’ merchants, supermarkets, bus operators, haulage firms and car manufacturers. Fuel stations are also rethinking their business models, shifting focus from liquid fuels to electric charging.
“Electrifying the transport and automotive industries is essential for building a more sustainable society. At Holtab, we’re proud of the knowledge we bring when it comes to charging infrastructure,” says Carl-Fredrik.
Holtab collaborates with leading brands on projects that support the growing number of electric vehicles on the road. In addition to commercial projects, we’re also involved in innovation-driven work – for instance, helping to electrify marine vessels.
High Demand
Holtab’s secondary substations play a central role at charging sites, providing access to the high-voltage network. Understanding the various technical solutions and requirements of grid operators is key to ensuring a reliable site connection.
“Our customers come with different levels of expertise. Many appreciate not needing in-depth electrical knowledge – we guide them through the process. We have long-standing experience working with grid companies and understand what’s needed in this sector,” Carl-Fredrik explains.
While the number of electric cars in Sweden has been growing for many years, 2024 saw a slight slowdown, partly due to reduced government incentives. However, the rise in heavy electric vehicles has continued without interruption.
“Despite economic uncertainty and global instability, the energy transition is well underway – especially in the area of light and heavy trucks.”
Sustainable Advice
Holtab not only builds and equips the secondary substation itself but also handles groundwork and site preparation. Once the secondary substation is in place, we take care of installation and commissioning, and we’re on hand afterwards for service and future upgrades.
We also offer ongoing service agreements to help ensure the equipment stays in good condition over time. Our three-tiered service plans include annual inspections and help avoid unexpected and costly downtime.
“It’s a smart way to extend the life of your secondary substation and keep operations running smoothly.”
So, what advice would you give to new and existing customers when it comes to vehicle charging?
“Be proactive and think ahead. Don’t plan too small – adoption of electric vehicles is moving quickly. It can take time to get charging infrastructure in place due to delivery lead times, permits and land-use agreements. We also offer dual-station setups, allowing customers to easily expand by adding a second secondary substation in the future. That flexibility opens up more possibilities,” Carl-Fredrik concludes.
In 2024, the number of chargeable vehicles in Sweden grew by an average of 8,830 vehicles per month. As of 31 December 2024, there were 693,265 such vehicles on the road, according to industry association Power Circle. (Includes plug-in hybrids.)
- Growth was particularly strong among light and heavy electric trucks:
- 28,516 light electric trucks in traffic – up 35% from the year before.
- 807 heavy electric trucks – up 56% year-on-year.
Public charging infrastructure also saw major expansion:
- Number of charging stations grew by over 40%, now totalling 4,694 stations.
- Charging points rose by 37%, reaching over 45,000 nationwide.
In 2024, the AFIR regulation came into effect, setting targets for high-power public charging every 60 km along major roads, covering both light and heavy vehicles.
Holtab is proud to be a member of Power Circle, working to explore and drive the future of electrification.
