“At Eldrive Romania, we have a clear mission: to accelerate the transition to electric mobility by developing a national charging network that responds to users’ real needs. We place emphasis on charging speed — fast stations of up to 400 kW, removing barriers related to range, accessibility and availability — strategic locations in cities, shopping centres and along transit corridors, optimal user experience — hubs with multiple connectors that reduce waiting times and an intelligent, easy-to-use app,” said Elena Mandache, Brand Director, Eldrive Romania, during the Sustainability in Business Forum organized by The Diplomat-Bucharest and Sustainability Today.
Key statements:
• The impact of these efforts is already concrete: in 2025 alone, Eldrive customers consumed over 4.5 GWh of electricity, which is equivalent to avoiding more than 2,500 tonnes of CO₂ emissions. This reduction helps improve air quality in cities and contributes to lowering the transport sector’s carbon footprint. In addition, electric mobility significantly reduces urban noise, with benefits for quality of life.
• According to the Arval Romania / Mobility Observatory 2025 study, 59% of companies have adopted or intend to adopt green technologies in fleets, but only 28% have actually implemented them — the main barrier is insufficient charging infrastructure, mentioned by 77% of respondents.
• Electric mobility now exceeds ESG and social responsibility and becomes a strategic decision that significantly reduces operational costs. Studies show that, in the long term, switching to electric fleets can reduce maintenance and fuel costs by up to 50%.
• Regarding the Romanian market context, according to Roland Berger, electric vehicle sales fell by more than 40% in the first half of 2025 due to subsidy cuts, and market share decreased from 13% to 11%. However, we consider that infrastructure is vital to anticipate demand recovery, especially with the return of the Rabla programme and the market launch of more affordable EV models with higher standards of range and efficiency.
• User behaviour clearly reflects infrastructure needs: only 40% can charge at home; roughly 60% consider public infrastructure insufficient; and approximately 26% of kilometres driven are with fast (DC) charging.
• With nearly 800 charging points nationwide in the Eldrive Romania network, we are approaching the target of 1,000 points set for the end of this year. We have a total installed capacity of 35 MW, to which we plan to add 40 MW next year. We are in the process of installing the first 1 MW charging station in Southeastern Europe, consolidating Romania’s position as a regional hub for electric mobility.
• We are developing local and regional partnerships to place stations in strategic points: urban centres, business hubs, and commercial spaces.
