The Republic of Moldova has attracted one of its first major investments in EV charging infrastructure, with Chinese investors committing €20 million (US$23 million) to establish a production facility in Strășeni.
The facility will manufacture EV charging station equipment and energy storage systems for EVs, with production primarily targeted at European markets. China’s New Energy Technology signed the deal with Zener Group.
According to Mu Dayong, a representative of New Energy Technology, the project aims to create “a modern, fully automated factory for the European market” while establishing “a solid production base for energy charging and storage technologies.”
The manufacturing facility’s location in Strășeni, a city and municipality well known for its wineries, provides access to both domestic and regional markets. Moldova’s exports of EV components have increased by more than 50% over the past five years, with primary destinations including the Netherlands, Ukraine, and Romania.
This growth trajectory has positioned Moldova as an increasingly important link in European electric mobility supply chains.
It is also worth noting that this investment represents Moldova’s first dedicated manufacturing facility for electric mobility infrastructure components, positioning the small Eastern European nation as an increasingly important player in the region’s expanding EV ecosystem.
Production timelines and specific capacity targets for the facility have not been disclosed, though the automated manufacturing approach suggests high output potential.
Natalia Bejan, director of Invest Moldova Agency, characterised the €20 million investment in the EV charging station factory as validation of the country’s strategic economic direction and growing integration with European markets.
“This investment confirms that the Republic of Moldova is ready to participate in global value chains actively. It validates the direction we have chosen – the technological advancement of industry and the development of high value-added sectors,” said Bejan.
Moldova’s EV charging expansion
Moldova’s EV market has experienced rapid growth, with over 4,000 EVs registered by late 2024, according to government data.
Recent infrastructure developments have supported this expansion. The country’s charging network has tripled since 2020, with fast charging stations now operational in nearly all districts.
The country’s charging infrastructure development includes integrating renewable energy sources. By 2026, 85% of charging stations are expected to be powered by renewable energy.
Moldova has implemented various government subsidies to encourage EV adoption. These subsidies reduce EV purchase prices by up to 25% for families, making EVs more accessible to consumers. The government has established a target for EVs to comprise 15% of all registered vehicles by 2030.
The investment comes as Eastern European nations accelerate their electric mobility infrastructure development. Countries including Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Bulgaria have committed significant resources to EV charging networks, supported by European Bank for Reconstruction and Development funding and EU initiatives.