Number of electric cars might double in Moldova by 2030; authorities prepare solutions to expand charging stations

The number of electric cars used in Moldova might double by 2030, if the current growth rate is maintained, with around 11,000 electric cars and over 81,500 hybrid cars, including plug-in hybrids, currently registered in the country. Under these conditions, the authorities are preparing solutions to accelerate the development of the necessary infrastructure, including the expansion of charging stations for electric vehicles.

To analyze the current situation, officials in the field carried out a pre-feasibility study on the development of charging station infrastructure for electric vehicles. The study was developed in partnership with the National Center for Sustainable Energy and the Energy Ministry, within a UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) Moldova project financed by the government of Denmark.

The study provides a comprehensive assessment of the current situation, future demand, investment needs, regulatory aspects and implementation options. It also presents a roadmap for infrastructure development up to 2030 and provides a solid data basis for future policy and investment decisions.

State Secretary of the Energy Ministry Carolina Novac said that Moldova had already achieved in advance one of the targets set in the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), namely 11,000 electric vehicles by 2030. At the same time, Carolina Novac highlighted another objective to be reached: a 6.9-per cent share of renewable energy in transport by 2030.

The study’s conclusions show that Moldova has already made notable progress in promoting electric mobility. At the same time, the network of charging stations remains unevenly distributed and insufficient to cope with the scheduled increase in the number of electric vehicles.

The authors propose a practical pathway for developing a network of modern, accessible charging stations adapted to future requirements, which will support Moldova’s climate and energy objectives, strengthen alignment with European standards and improve residents’ quality of life. The transport sector generates about a quarter of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions.

The current data and development prospects presented in the study were analyzed by experts from Moldova, Germany, Poland and Romania during a workshop held on 9 June. The final version of the study is to be completed following the discussions at the workshop and then published.