Africa-Press – Ghana. As of July 1, 2022, the fully electric vehicles (EVs) in Bulgaria numbered 4,614, compared to 2,537 a year earlier, which is an increase of 82%, show Interior Ministry data.
The number of hybrid vehicles that are driven by a combination of electricity and conventional fuel is significantly higher – 25,467, of which electricity and gasoline are the most common combination – 21,842. There were a total of 16,116 hybrid vehicles in July of 2021, which means that hybrid cars increased by 58% in just one year, the data show.
These increases follow the European trends. The benefits of EVs and hybrid vehicles are cleaner air in urban environments, less noise and harmful gas emissions, which all contribute to the fight against climate change.
The purchase of EVs is subsidized in many countries. No such measures are being taken in Bulgaria for private consumers right now, although assistance has been allocated to the central and local administration for the purchase of such vehicles under the National Trust EcoFund. Until last year, the Fund only provided assistance for the purchase of hybrid cars, but this year’s scheme is fully directed towards EVs. The sums being allocated for the purchase of such vehicles by the administrations vary from BGN 20,000 to BGN 40,000, depending on the model and size.
In addition to contributing to a cleaner environment, EV drivers in Bulgaria enjoy a number of benefits, such as free parking in paid parking zones in cities, tax exemptions and low fuel costs, especially in view of the increasing prices at the pump. EV owners told BTA that one of the main problems is the shortage of charging stations, which are even missing altogether in some cities.
According to MEP Andrey Novakov, EVs should not be imposed by force, as the technology has not evolved yet and such a move could make these vehicles less affordable for consumers. This type of vehicles should naturally evolve and become attractive for consumers, who will opt for them in the future, he argues.Credit: BTA
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