Bulgaria's EV Charging Network — The Real Picture for 2026

"What if I run out of charge?" is the question that keeps many Bulgarians from buying an EV. The truth is more nuanced than a simple answer. The infrastructure is growing fast, but unevenly. Here's an honest picture of where things stand in 2026.

The numbers: how many stations exist

According to data from early 2026, Bulgaria has over 1,200 public charging points (individual connectors) spread across roughly 450 locations. But those figures hide some important details:

• AC charging (slow, 7–22 kW): about 70% of all points
• DC fast charging (50+ kW): about 30%
• DC ultra-fast (150+ kW): under 10% of the total

For comparison: in Germany the DC/AC ratio is far more favorable, and the density is roughly ten times higher.

Which operators are reliable

Eldrive — the largest national network

Eldrive (owned by EVN) is the market leader, present in most regional cities and along the main motorways. Charging works via card, app, or QR code. Reliability has improved significantly compared to 2023, though some stations still have intermittent issues.

Power output: mostly 50 kW DC and 22 kW AC, with expansion toward 150 kW.

OMV Electra

OMV Electra is the fastest-growing operator — 150 kW HPC chargers at OMV fuel stations along the main motorways. Coverage on the A1 (Sofia–Burgas) and A2 (Sofia–Varna) is good. Much more reliable than competitors, since the stations sit at staffed, active fuel stations.

Tesla Supercharger

For Tesla owners, the Supercharger network is by far the best option. Stations in: Sofia (3), Plovdiv (1), Varna (1), Burgas (1), and on the A1 near Stara Zagora. Since 2024, the Supercharger network has also been open to non-Tesla vehicles with a CCS adapter.

Pulse (EnergyPro)

A smaller network, concentrated in shopping malls in Sofia and Plovdiv. Convenient for topping up while shopping. Mostly 22 kW AC output.

The real situation by region

Sofia and Sofia Province

Good coverage. Chargers in nearly all shopping centers, parking lots, and hotels. AC chargers are everywhere. DC above 100 kW is available downtown and along the ring road.

A1 (Sofia — Burgas, 383 km)

Perfectly manageable with a typical EV (400+ km range) without issues. Main stops: Trud/Plovdiv (OMV Electra 150 kW), Stara Zagora (Tesla SC + Eldrive), Karnobat (Eldrive 50 kW). With a range under 300 km, plan carefully.

A2 (Sofia — Varna, 443 km)

Better coverage since the 2025 expansion. Main stops: the Lovech/Troyan area, Shumen (Eldrive). Tesla Supercharger in Varna.

Northwestern Bulgaria (Vratsa, Montana, Vidin)

The weakest-covered region. Few DC chargers outside the regional centers. If heading this way, plan to charge at OMV/Eldrive fuel stations in the regional cities.

The Black Sea coast (summer)

Burgas and Varna have good coverage, but during peak season, queues at Superchargers are a reality. The southern coast (Primorsko, Sozopol, Tsarevo) has limited DC charging.

The apps you can't do without

• ABRP (A Better Route Planner) — essential for planning long routes, integrates real station data
• Eldrive app — for finding and paying at their network
• Plugshare — a crowd-sourced map with user comments; a realistic gauge of which stations actually work

What's coming

By the end of 2026, expect:

• Completion of the TEN-T corridors — mandatory DC HPC every 60 km along the main European routes crossing Bulgaria
• EVN/Eldrive have announced 100 new HPC points (150 kW+)
• OMV Electra continuing its expansion along all motorways

An honest assessment

If you live in Sofia, or along the Sofia–Plovdiv–Burgas/Varna corridors, the infrastructure is already good enough for everyday EV life. If you live in Northwestern Bulgaria or regularly travel to smaller towns, there are still "blind spots." Plan your routes ahead with ABRP and check the current status of stations on Plugshare.

The infrastructure is growing at an accelerating pace. Today's problems are already half of what they were two years ago.