Stuart Tolley is the GEO Director for UK & Ireland at Virta, a global EV charging business headquartered in Helsinki, Finland. In his role, Tolley is pivotal in driving the company’s operations across the UK and Ireland, advancing the transition to electric mobility.
Founded in 2013,Virta’s core offering is a modular charging solution that includes everything you need to build, operate, and scale a smart EV charging business in a fast and cost-effective way, emphasised in the business mission below.
“Our mission is to empower the future of sustainable energy and mobility ecosystems with connected electric vehicles.”
Recognised for its rapid growth, Virta was named on the Financial Times 1000 Europe’s Fastest Growing Companies list for the fifth consecutive year in 2024.
We spoke with Stuart Tolley to explore how businesses, like Charge Point Operators (CPOs), are leveraging advanced back-end software and energy management solutions to achieve significant business success.
EV charging infrastructure is becoming a huge business opportunity around the world. How is Virta enabling this growth?
EVs and their associated needs, in general, are a booming market. However, it has come at a cost for many businesses. Rising OPEX costs and the need for consumer cost parity are pressing issues, creating what feels like a relentless race to the bottom in certain sectors of e-Mobility, particularly in hardware imports.
At Virta, we understand the significant cost implications for in-house development undertaken by many organisations and suggest that there is a better way. Since 2013, Virta has been at the forefront of delivering high-quality CPO and EMP tools and services to our clients.
Fleet electrification forms a major part of your decarbonisation focus, but how does transitioning fleets to EVs help businesses?
Transitioning to an all-electric fleet is a complex process, with changing internal attitudes towards mobility often being the biggest challenge. The benefits become evident if businesses effectively promote the transition to their staff and make it seamless. Providing workplace, home, and on-the-road charging options is crucial for achieving driver satisfaction and continued ‘buy-in’.
The convenience of charging while parked and the ability to make the same journeys as internal combustion engine vehicles remove significant barriers. Environmentally, the transition to electric vehicles is essential for aligning with green pledges. Additionally, cost savings are clear, and the numerous providers in the fleet market support businesses in achieving their electrification goals.
Virta Hub, your specialised Charge Point Management System, is a crucial component of your business solutions. How does it help businesses optimise their operations?
Virta Hub is essential for helping businesses transition to electric fleets by centralising all information. It allows easy monitoring of critical infrastructure, detailed reporting on charging events, and integration with fleet management and telematics software through API links. The platform manages fleet EV charging operations in real time, offering tools for Charge Point Management Systems (CPMS), billing, and EVSE provision. This multi-layered approach gives businesses confidence in managing the operational aspects of an electrified fleet.
We were thrilled about your panel at this year’s EV SUMMIT, titled ‘Scaling Up EV Infrastructure and Energy Management Across Defined Territories.’ What key topics did you note from the panel?
We had a great panel of guests spanning multiple sectors of the industry. From defined territory providers, electrified HGV providers, and mass Hub suppliers – this group has diverse perspectives.
Discussing the experiences we have had in the market covering 35 countries, we dug deeper into how the businesses being represented have overcome the challenges and how big data and energy requirements are shaping the way forward.
With the new Labour government taking effect, how do you see the UK’s charging sector changing over the next four years?
With the new Labour government taking effect, I am optimistic about the future of the UK’s charging sector over the next four years. I anticipate increased investment in infrastructure to support the growing number of EVs and more support for organisations that provide services to EV drivers, simplifying their everyday needs.
Currently, national CPOs face challenges in meeting investor expectations due to significant overhead costs and the need for substantial investment in land and infrastructure. To meet the anticipated 2030 requirements, immediate action is essential. The next four years will witness further significant shifts in eMobility, particularly with the rise of eHGVs and eLCVs, which will necessitate increased support.
This support should extend beyond large hub builds and motorway service area improvements. It must also include vehicles, home charging, community charging, fleet depots, and behind-the-wire charging locations with access during non-operational hours. To achieve the ideal of eMobility, it must be made easy and accessible for all.
Thank you to Stuart, and the Virta team, for making this interview possible. Head over to Virta’s website now to find out more about their innovative services – https://www.virta.global/
This year’s EV SUMMIT was packed with powerful partners, get in touch about getting involved, or in joining the inaugural US sister event, here – https://www.evsummit.biz/
