Eastern Europe is buzzing with potential as it accelerates its journey toward a greener future. In this second part of our deep dive, we shine a spotlight on Hungary, Romania, Croatia, Serbia, and the Czech Republic - countries that are rapidly building the foundations of tomorrow’s EV charging networks.
With private investments, innovative partnerships, and local initiatives driving the charge, these nations are proving that the transition to eMobility expansion isn’t just about catching up - it’s about leading the way in shaping the emerging charging infrastructure.
Across Eastern Europe, E.ON Drive, Tesla, and Ionity play a crucial role in the region's EV charging landscape. While each country boasts a unique mix of national and regional Charge Point Operators (CPOs), these three global players are present in most nations and provide the backbone of fast and ultra-fast charging infrastructure. Their extensive networks along highways and in urban centers are helping to develop seamless travel for EV drivers, connecting countries and enabling long-distance journeys. Below, we detail their presence and contributions in each country, while also focussing on national CPOs that are emerging.
At the forefront of Hungary’s EV charging market is MVM Mobiliti, the country’s largest charge point operator. Mobiliti operates an extensive network of fast and ultra-fast chargers, strategically placed along highways and in urban centers. By incorporating renewable energy sources, Mobiliti ensures that Hungary’s EV infrastructure is both efficient and sustainable.
Other key players include MOL Group, which operates the MOL Plugee network and contributed to installing over 250 EV chargers as part of the NEXT-E initiative, and Shell Recharge, which is steadily expanding its EV charging footprint in Hungary by deploying fast-charging stations at key locations.
TEA operates over 100 charging stations across Hungary, offering cost-effective and accessible charging solutions, including 90 kW DC chargers.
The Hungarian government supports these efforts through the Jedlik Ányos Plan, which offers subsidies for EV purchases and charging infrastructure, further strengthening Hungary’s role as a critical player in Eastern Europe’s shift to eMobility.
E.ON Drive operates public charging stations across Hungary, including partnerships with retailers like Aldi.
Tesla offers multiple Supercharger locations across the country, including key stations in Győr, Nagykanizsa, and Budapest, facilitating long-distance travel.
Ionity provides high-power charging stations along major highways, supporting seamless cross-country EV journeys.
Romania is making concerted efforts to enhance its EV charging infrastructure. OMV Petrom, a leading oil and gas company in Southeastern Europe, plans to install over 400 ultra-fast recharging points for electric cars by 2025, with many located along key highways.
Meanwhile, Romanian company Renovatio is actively expanding its domestic charging network, focusing on fast and ultra-fast chargers in key urban areas and along major travel corridors. Renovatio is also working to integrate renewable energy solutions into its operations, aligning with Romania's broader sustainability goals.
Recently E.ON Energie Romania successfully installed 19 fast-charging stations for electric vehicles as part of the European NEXT-E project.
Tesla operates several Supercharger stations across Romania, including key locations in Bucharest, Timișoara, and Pitești, enhancing coverage along major highways.
Ionity provides high-power chargers for long-distance travel along the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) corridors.
Croatia is actively expanding its EV charging network to support the increasing number of electric vehicles. Hrvatski Telekom is a leading provider, operating more than 50% of publicly available EV charging stations in the country, with 198 charging points across 78 locations.
Meanwhile, Eleport has significantly bolstered its presence in Croatia through the acquisition of TurboVolt GmbH, an Austrian EV charging company. This strategic move enables Eleport to enhance its network and deliver a seamless charging experience for users. Eleport is also installing 17 high-powered EV charging hubs at shopping centers in cities like Zadar and Zagreb, with each hub featuring up to 12 user-friendly, high-speed chargers delivering up to 300 kW of power per socket.
E.ON Drive contributes to Croatia's EV infrastructure as part of the NEXT-E consortium, with fast and ultra-fast charging stations along key transport corridors.
Tesla offers an established Supercharger network in Croatia, with key stations in Zagreb, Split, and Zadar, supporting coastal and inland travel routes.
Ionity operates high-power charging stations along major highways, enabling seamless long-distance EV travel.
Serbia is in the early stages of developing its EV charging networks, and rapid development seems imminent. For example, IVO Chargers is actively seeking locations in Serbia to establish a robust network of high-power charging stations for electric vehicles, aiming to enhance e-mobility across Southeast Europe. Eleport has now expanded its operations into the country, aiming to establish a reliable, fast-charging infrastructure. This move is another part of Eleport's grand plan to become the leading EV charging network in Central and Eastern Europe.
Meanwhile, Charge&GO has developed Serbia’s first domestic platform and application for EV charging, providing Serbian drivers with a seamless experience. They also own the largest EV charging map in Serbia, offering comprehensive coverage of available stations.
Tesla has recently expanded its Supercharger network into Serbia, with key stations in Belgrade and Niš, facilitating travel within the country and to neighboring regions.
ČEZ Group, a major energy conglomerate, has built an extensive network of public charging stations for electric vehicles and continues to expand its network to support the increasing number of EVs across the Czech Republic.
Another prominent player is PRE Group, which operates the innovative PREpoint network. PRE Group offers a diverse range of charging solutions, from standard chargers for urban users to ultra-fast options designed for long-distance travelers. With strategic placements in high-demand areas and a commitment to expanding its network, PREpoint is playing a pivotal role in making EV charging more accessible and efficient across the country.
Meanwhile, E.ON Czech Republic is actively contributing to the development of the country's charging infrastructure, focusing on integrating renewable energy sources to provide sustainable charging options.
Tesla maintains a robust Supercharger network in the Czech Republic, with major stations in Prague, Brno, and Hradec Králové, ensuring seamless highway and urban travel.
Ionity operates multiple high-power charging stations across the country, enabling efficient long-distance EV travel.
Eastern Europe is emerging as the next big frontier for Charge Point Operators (CPOs). With rising EV adoption and growing investments in charging networks, the region presents immense opportunities for innovation and expansion.
CPOs that establish themselves here now may well play a crucial role in driving the global shift to sustainable transportation while tapping into one of the fastest-growing markets for eMobility. The future of eMobility is heading east - let’s see who leads the charge.
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