4,000 kilometers. This was the distance traveled by electric vehicles participating in the first #ElectricUltraMaraton that connects the Republic of Moldova with Europe.

The car of the "Sustainable Green Cities" project, with a range of up to 280 km, and an SUV, with a range of over 400 km, started from Chisinau on November 10. The vehicles traveled to the following countries: Romania, Hungary, Austria, Germany. In Germany, the vehicles’ fleet was joined by another electric car model, the new generation, which has taken the path of the Republic of Moldova for the first time. The cars returned to the country on November 16^th.

"It was an adventure marathon with many challenges along the way. I saw live the differences in the electric car charging infrastructure in the countries covered by participating cars, we have accumulated a huge experience of testing and using the different electrical infrastructure systems in each traveled country. This experience will be shared with the public through practical tips on how to travel long distances with an electric car from Moldova,” says Ilie Toma, initiator, and participant in the marathon.

The expedition had a small number of cars in its fleet, to play the classic scenario of trips abroad by groups of family or friends. The models were also selected to cover a wide range of consumers: two cars with top autonomy and performance, and another one – more affordable in price, with lower autonomy, but enough to meet the challenge.

“We promote and encourage driving electric cars by our example. It was the first experience of our electric car travel outside the borders of the Republic of Moldova. We accepted the challenge to break the stereotypes that electric cars are only suitable for short distances,” says Ina Prisacaru-Zglavuta, Communications Specialist of the "Sustainable Green Cities" project, participant in the expedition.

The ElectricUltraMaraton has shown that it is possible to travel by a 100% electric car from Moldova to the countries of the European Union and that Moldova is already connected to the European electric vehicles infrastructure. A smartphone, internet connection, and smart route planning are all you need to venture your electric car on the go. And the greater the autonomy of the machine and the more modern technologies, the more enjoyable the experience.

#ElectricUltraMaraton was organized by PiataAuto.md web portal in partnership with the “Moldova Sustainable Green Cities" project, financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by UNDP Moldova, and in cooperation with the Felicia pharmacy network.