Moldova Electro-Marathon – the first electric cars’ expedition starts today

The aim of the marathon is to promote environmentally friendly mobility, to show the real capacity of electric cars and to present the achievements of the electromobility sector in the Republic of Moldova. The electric car of the Sustainable Green Cities Project - financed by the Global Environment facility (GEF) and implemented by UNDP Moldova in partnership with Chisinau City Hall - will be part of the expedition fleet.

“The demand for electric cars is getting higher every year and there is a need to develop the charging infrastructure of zero emissions vehicles. Thanks to the partnership between the United Nations Development Programme and the Government of Moldova, Chisinau Municipality as well as local strategic partners, we aim to increase the efficiency of the transport system, and to speed up the use of low-emission transportation,” stated Dima Al- Khatib, UN Resident Coordinator a.i and UNDP Resident Representative for the Republic of Moldova.

The route of the marathon covers the North, Center and South of the Republic of Moldova and may be tracked here: https://bit.ly/2Ym6wE9. The expedition will cross such cities as Chisinau, Orhei, Soldanesti, Floresti, Balti, Calarasi, Lapusna, Hancesti, Cimislia, Comrat, Causeni and Anenii-Noi.

“The transport sector is the main air pollution source, Chisinau having the largest fleet of motor vehicles in the country. Chisinau City Hall is equipped with one electric car which is part of the expedition fleet. By participating at this marathon, we want to promote sustainable transportation and to motivate people to opt for environmentally friendly cars. Thus, we will reduce the level of pollutant emissions in the atmosphere and have a cleaner city,” mentions Ruslan Codreanu, the acting General Mayor of Chisinau municipality.

All other the expedition, the electric cars will be charged at the EV public sockets which were meanwhile installed on several national roads in Moldova. As well, the marathon will anticipate the expected extension of this infrastructure with other 20 new charging stations to be installed this year, thanks to a partnership between UNDP and the Ministry of Economy and Infrastructure.

“It's my first car and I chose an electric one. Economical, speedy, innovative, ecological – these are the arguments that have made me choose an electric car. I like new experiences, that's why I enrolled in the marathon contest. I am very glad to be part of this expedition that will enrich me with new experiences and positive emotions," says Adelina Iucal, participant at the marathon.

The organizers included in the marathon fleet the entire range of electric cars available on the Moldovan market. “We have a variety of cars in our fleet – from the newest and most performing models, with a high level of autonomy, up to the most affordable models, which may be procured also on the used cars’ market, for this wide spectrum of cars to inspire more and more people to switch to electric mobility,” says Ilie Toma, organizer and expedition participant.

The expedition crews will share their real-time impressions about the electro-marathon with the public. The cars’ fleet will come back on Chisinau’s main square on Sunday, July 07 (at about 15:00 o’clock). The participating cars will be exhibited for the public to see them and the

expedition participants will share their fresh impressions.

The Moldova Electro-Marathon is organized by PiataAuto.md in partnership with the UNDP-GEF “Sustainable Green Cities” Project, Kaufland, Orange Moldova, Mastercard, EWA Motors, with support provided by Renault, BMW, Jaguar, Nissan.

Fast facts:

• The number of electrical cars registered in Moldova increased four times over the last 12 months – from 54 to 200.

• 20 electric cars’ charging stations are registered currently in Moldova, the majority being installed in Chisinau. 12 of them are public charging stations.

• 20 new public charging stations will be installed by UNDP Moldova on the main urban routes by the end of this year.

• Over 1,000 km will be travelled by each expedition car during the marathon.

• 20.0 kWh/100 km is the target average consumption per car.

The Sustainable Green Cities Project, with a five-year duration: 2018-2022, has a total budget of $ 2.6 million provided by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and co-funded by UNDP with $ 80,000.