site.btaGovernment Launches Initiative to Install EV Chargers at Train Stations

Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov and Deputy Prime Minister and Transport and Communications Minister Grozdan Karadjov on Thursday attended the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation and Partnership between the Electricity System Operator (ESO), its subsidiary ESO Charge and the National Railway Infrastructure Company (NRIC).

The document aims to accelerate the development of electric mobility in Bulgaria, the Energy Ministry said. The memorandum marks the launch of a national initiative to build charging stations at railway stations across the country, serving both private electric vehicles and electric public transport.

In the first phase of the project, 35 charging stations will be built in major regional centres. The investment, worth EUR 10 million, is funded by ESO. The project will eventually cover all 249 electrified railway stations, with the first phase scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.

The planned charging stations will have a capacity of over 600 kilowatts, allowing for fast charging of electric cars and e-buses. They will be connected to the national power grid through NRIC's infrastructure, ensuring reliability of energy supply. The stations will also offer the lowest charging prices available to users.

The memorandum is an example of inter-institutional partnership that will contribute to the more efficient use of electricity from renewable sources and to the development of environment-friendly transport in all regions, including remote settlements, the Ministry said.