Lithuanian-Bulgarian startup Spark launches EV sharing service in Bucharest

Spark, a Lithuanian-Bulgarian startup, has officially launched an electric car sharing service in Bucharest. Customers with the Spark mobile app, a driving license, and a bank account can rent one of the 50 electric cars on offer and pay by the minute, local media reported.

Spark offers Renault ZOE with 350 km autonomy for RON 1.20 per minute, and Nissan Leaf 40 with 250 km autonomy for RON 1.40 per minute. Cars can be rented at least for 12 minutes while the maximum use is not limited.

The company intends to increase its fleet to 100 in the next few months, and also move to other Romanian cities

The company intends to increase its fleet to 100 in the next few months with vehicles that can offer more than 200 km of autonomy, and also expand to other Romanian cities. Cars can be found at the main city locations and can be returned to various locations which can be found on the Spark app. A customer can travel anywhere in Romania using Spark electric vehicles (EVs), however, they are only allowed to start and end trips within the defined zones of Bucharest.

Information regarding the estimated level of battery charge and travel range can be found in the mobile app

According to Business-review.eu, Jordan Tonchev, Spark Manager Romania, said that the use of a single car in the scheme could replace up to 15 cars used on a personal basis.

According to the Spark website, the estimated level of the battery charge, travel range and consumption as KW/ 100 km are displayed on the car’s panel. Information regarding the estimated level of battery charge and travel range can also be found in the mobile app.

Spark EVs can be charged at one of the charging stations marked on the map in the mobile app or any public charging station. Renault ZOE is compatible with Type 2 stations, while Nissan Leaf 40 utilizes the CHAdeMO fast charging, the website reads.