Spark

Spark is an electric car-sharing service operating in multiple European cities. The company provides a fleet of fully electric vehicles that users can rent through a mobile application. Spark's service allows customers to locate and unlock cars using their smartphones, offering a flexible alternative to car ownership. As of February 2023, Spark's fleet comprised 650 electric vehicles in Bulgaria, with a total of nearly 2,000 cars across all its locations. The company offers various electric car models, including VW e-Up!, Dacia Spring, Nissan Leaf, Hyundai Kona, BMW i3, and others, catering to different user needs and preferences.

Spark's pricing model is based on both time and distance traveled, with rates varying depending on the chosen vehicle model. The company also offers long-term rental options with discounts ranging from 20% to 40%. In addition to individual users, Spark partners with companies to provide electric vehicle fleets for their employees. The service includes free parking in designated zones and partner locations, as well as free charging at specific charging stations.

To enhance user loyalty, Spark implemented an eGO points system, where customers earn points for every euro spent on trips and for recharging low-battery cars. These points can be redeemed for free rental periods. In January 2022, Spark Technologies, the parent company of Ride Share Bulgaria (operating as Spark), secured a EUR 30 million capital commitment from Global Emerging Markets (GEM) to support its expansion plans and potential public listing.

Key customers and partnerships

Spark has built a significant customer base across its operating locations. In Bulgaria, the company serves users in Sofia and Plovdiv, with its service covering the city centers and select zones near commercial areas. In January 2023, the company partnered with Schneider Electric to launch an EV rental zone with five charging stations at Schneider's smart factory in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. This partnership demonstrates Spark's efforts to expand its service accessibility and charging infrastructure.