[INTERVIEW] The e-car scenario in Romania

The electric car fleet in Romania could exceed 300,000 units (in 2030), if both the Government and the private environment will collaborate for the implementation of a multiannual program with a package of specific measures to stimulate electro-mobility. 

An interview with Marius Tudor / Secretary General Automotive Manufacturers and Importers Association

Question: How has the electric car market evolved in Romania? 

Answer: The sales of electric cars in Romania registered one of the biggest increases in Europe in terms of percentages, even though in terms of volume they are still low compared to the big countries where, we can say, this segment already has a tradition (Norway, France, Germany, Holland, United Kingdom), and the figures are eloquent: a twenty-fold increase between 2015 and 2018.

Q: What do you think were the main reasons for this growth and how do you see the future evolution of this segment?

A: Obviously, the most important vector for the growth of electric cars sales is the «Rabla Plus» Program, more precisely, its new format launched in 2017, with 2 important elements: one of the biggest incentives granted in Europe, respectively approx. 9,800 Euro for fully electric cars and approx. 4,300 Euro for plug-in vehicles, support granted only for 3 years of the project, which gave rise to the need for continuity of sales and settlement actions. On the other hand, I consider that another important element of this extremely favorable evolution of the last years was the extremely varied offer that local representatives of the world car manufacturers have managed to make available in Romania. Today there are over 35 electrical models (fully "BEV" or plug-in "PHEV"). And one last element that I think mattered: the development of the charging infrastructure that, especially in the last 2 years, has recorded an important development, through private projects and / or funded by the European Union.

Regarding the future evolution of electric car sales, this ought to be an important one, considering both Romania's international commitments to climate change (COP21-Paris) and the objectives bestowed upon the car industry by EU regulations.

Q: Concretely, can you make some estimates regarding the evolution of the next period? 

A: Yes and it is very easy to do this, because APIA has made public its vision regarding the objectives of sustainable, safe and efficient mobility by 2030. According to it, we propose to the Romanian authorities a set of measures to achieve a car fleet of at least 300,000 electric vehicles in 2030, with 25,000 charging points available throughout the country, but also the modernization (electrification) of the current public transportation fleet.

Q: Can you list some of these measures designed to support the important development of electro-mobility in Romania? 

A: Sure. These could be: A 5-year program (2020 - 2024) to support / stimulate the purchase of electric cars, the amount of the incentive will gradually decrease, but up to a value that will sustain in 2024 the competitiveness of electric cars compared to those with internal combustion engine, the obligation for the taximeters fleet to reach from a minimum of 20% in 2025, to 50% electric vehicles (including plug-in and hybrids) in 2030?, in the county residence municipalities, as well as firm obligations for local authorities and subordinated units, including companies in the field of public services to which the state is a majority shareholder, as a 30% -50% share of future purchases to be with alternative fuel (electricity, hydrogen, compressed natural gas - CNG or liquefied - LNG).

To all the above, it is necessary to add programs meant to enhance the awareness of the population regarding the environmental benefits brought by the alternative means of transport or alternative micro-mobility.