site.btaGovernment Officials, Business Execs Discuss Sustainable, Green Mobility

Bulgarian Transport and Communications Minister Georgi Gvozdeikov on Friday hosted a discussion on policies and measures for the implementation of sustainable and green mobility, Gvozdeikov's Ministry said in a press release.

Taking part were Environment and Water Minister Julian Popov, Deputy Transport and Communications Minister Dimitar Nedyalkov, Deputy Innovation and Growth Minister Martin Gikov, experts of the ministries of interior and finance, the National Association of Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria, automotive manufacturers' associations and non-governmental organizations.

Gvozdeikov said at the meeting that building more charging points is precisely one of the key incentives for an increase in the number of electric cars. "The price is not the only consideration when a person decides to buy an ICE or and EV. The lack of a charging network is a factor, too, which is why government and business must work together for the faster establishment of the necessary network," he added. The Transport Minister pointed to the need of considering carefully legislative amendments intended to lead to an increase in the share of green cars. 

It transpired during the meeting that over 70% of the cars registered in Bulgaria are older than 15 years, and motor cars manufactured less than 5 years ago account for just 4.5% of the fleet. The participants explored an option for setting up a uniform register of used cars, containing information on registration, insurance, roadworthiness tests, repairs, actual mileage and other data on the condition of the vehicle.

The progress being made in drafting an Electric Mobility Promotion Act was discussed as well, along with various mechanisms at the national and local level to assist electric car owners.