RuralMED Mobility

Project name: RuralMED Mobility, "Promoting electric mobility in underserved rural and remote mediterranean areas"

 

PROJECT SUMMARY

RuralMED Mobility Project, "Promoting electric mobility in underserved rural and remote mediterranean areas",
aims to improve electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure and facilitate the adoption of sustainable mobility
in rural areas of commercial interest, helping local authorities to create the conditions for
developing tailored joint solutions. Investments in charging points, electric vehicle leasing and monitoring and ICT tools will be implemented, allowing for an increase in the number of trips to and from the pilot municipalities with electric vehicles and multimodal solutions, reducing CO2 and improving residents' connection to public services.

Aim of the Project:

The main objective of the project is to support local authorities in these areas to develop policies and capacities that facilitate the use of electric vehicles (EVs) and reduce CO2 emissions. 

The project envisages the construction of a sustainable network of EV charging stations in the pilot areas, as well as the deployment of shared EV networks and other related services. The main objective is to create infrastructure and develop strategies that will allow rural areas to benefit from electric mobility technologies and achieve sustainable development. 

In this context, the project offers a unique opportunity to promote electric mobility and sustainable development in rural and remote areas of the Mediterranean. 

For Bulgaria, the selected region is Stara Zagora, and the 2 specific municipalities, Radnevo and Galabovo, which will actually be most affected by the transition to zero carbon emissions.  

The RuralMED Mobility project has the potential to make a significant contribution to sustainable mobility in rural areas of the Mediterranean and to serve as a model for other regions in Europe. 

Activities:

  1. Analysis and assessment of the current situation:
  • Conduct studies and analyses to assess the existing infrastructure and capacity for electromobility in the MED region.
  • Develop a common methodology for the implementation of pilot projects.

2. Pilot projects and tests:

  • Implementation of pilot projects for testing and evaluation of new charging stations and shared EV schemes in different areas - 1 charging station will be installed in Radnevo and 1 in Galabovo.
  • Monitoring and analyzing the results of the tested solutions and creating a final report with recommendations.

3. Develop sustainable mobility strategies:

  • Create sustainable strategies and action plans to improve mobility in the MED region.
  • Using data from pilot projects to inform and improve policies.

4. Training and capacity building:

  • Conduct training programmes for local and regional authorities to improve their skills in planning and managing sustainable mobility projects.
  • Organising seminars and workshops to exchange experiences and good practices.

5. Financial mechanisms and support:

  • Develop funding mechanisms, including EU funds, national and regional funding opportunities.
  • Promote tax incentives and subsidies for the purchase of EVs and the construction of infrastructure.

Partners:

The project involves 13 partners from 8 different countries, namely Spain (coordinator), Croatia, Portugal, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Italy and Greece, representing NGOs, educational institutions, public bodies and other interest groups. Each partner contributes with expertise and resources to achieve the overall objectives of the project. Всеки партньор допринася с експертиза и ресурси за постигане на общите цели на проекта. 

Expected results:

  • Reducing CO2 emissions in rural areas. 
  • Improving urban-rural connectivity through integrated electromobility plans. 
  • Strengthening the capacity of local authorities to plan and manage sustainable mobility solutions. 
  • Raising awareness and commitment of citizens to sustainable mobility. 

Duration of the project: 1 January 2024 - 30 September 2026