EV charging infrastructure in Eastern European
December 16, 2024

Electrifying the east - the rise of EV charging in Eastern Europe and the vision of the EBRD

As Eastern Europe embraces the electric vehicle (EV) revolution, the region is seeing significant strides in charging infrastructure development. From Poland to the Baltics and Bulgaria, countries are making substantial investments to support the growing number of EVs on the road. In our first look at the Eastern European EV infrastructure, we explore the latest developments and highlight the key players who, with the support of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), are driving the charge.

Poland - a new era for eMobility

Poland is rapidly catching up to its Western European peers when it comes to electric mobility. One of the major developments in the country is Allego’s expansion, supported by a €20 million loan from the EBRD. This investment is aimed at building 200 light and heavy-duty EV charging points across 50 locations in Poland.

Allego, a European Charge Point Operator (CPO) with a presence in 16 countries, is not only expanding its infrastructure but also decarbonizing key transport networks. The Trans-European Transport Network, a major focus of this project, will benefit significantly from the new charging stations as Poland ramps up efforts to meet the European Union’s decarbonization targets.

Another company at the forefront of Poland’s fast-growing EV infrastructure is GreenWay, a leading CPO dedicated to expanding high-quality charging solutions. With a strong emphasis on accessibility and smart energy use, GreenWay Polska is setting the standard in Poland by building a reliable charging network for commuters and travelers alike.

ChargeEuropa, a Poland-based company, is also expanding its presence, aiming to establish a stronghold in the Central and Eastern European EV charging market. With a pipeline of over 1,000 planned locations across Poland, ChargeEuropa is partnering with commercial property owners to bring free EV charging solutions to high-traffic areas, enhancing accessibility for drivers nationwide.

The Baltic States - building a regional network

The EBRD is also supporting countries across the Baltic states - Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia - as they build robust EV infrastructure networks. A significant part of this effort is a €15 million equity investment in Eldrive, a regional charging operator that is expanding its footprint in Lithuania and beyond. By 2028, Eldrive plans to install and operate 7,400 new EV charging stations across Lithuania, Bulgaria, and Romania, adding to the 900 stations it already operates.

In Lithuania, Eldrive is focusing on fast-charging infrastructure, supporting long-distance travel and urban EV users alike. This push aligns with Lithuania’s broader goal of meeting the EU’s Green Deal targets, including the goal of reaching one million public EV charging stations by 2025. Estonia, on the other hand, has long been ahead in the region, having established one of the world’s first national EV charging networks. Enefit Volt, a subsidiary of Eesti Energia, leads the Estonian market with over 250 charging stations and a commitment to renewable energy integration. This approach ensures that EV charging is both convenient and sustainable, making Estonia a model for green mobility.

Eleport is making a notable impact across the Baltic region, particularly in Estonia, where it has established a substantial network of charging stations. Eleport provides accessible, 100% renewable energy-powered EV charging at premium locations. Their growing presence across the Baltics is helping shape a more connected, sustainable network that supports both local EV users and cross-border travelers.

In Latvia, the state-owned energy provider Elektrum is expanding its public charging network, enhancing accessibility for Latvian EV drivers. Latvia also benefits from regional collaboration, creating a seamless travel experience for EV drivers across the Baltic states. This cooperation underscores the importance of cross-border initiatives to create an interconnected and sustainable Eastern European EV infrastructure.

Bulgaria - expanding EV Infrastructure with Eldrive

Bulgaria, much like Lithuania, is benefitting from Eldrive’s ambitious plans, which will bring 7,400 new charging stations to the country by 2028. As the leading CPO in Bulgaria, Eldrive is playing a crucial role in accelerating the adoption of EVs in the region. The company currently operates 900 charging stations and is focused on expanding its network to support Bulgaria’s growing EV market.

The EBRD’s investment in Eldrive is part of a broader push to decarbonize the transport sector across Eastern Europe. With the EU Green Deal aiming for a substantial increase in EV infrastructure by 2030, Bulgaria’s efforts are helping to close the gap between Eastern and Western Europe in terms of charging station availability.

The road ahead

Eastern Europe is rapidly building the foundation for a sustainable electric future. Countries like Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Bulgaria are investing heavily in EV infrastructure. In our next blog, we will explore how other countries - including Russia, Czechia, and Romania - are also making big strides in this sector, showing more evidence that this region is set to play an increasingly important role in the European eMobility landscape.

The road ahead may be long, but with companies like Allego, Eldrive and many more leading the charge, Eastern Europe is well on its way to becoming a key player in the EV revolution.

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written by
Barry Henderson
Copywriter