Poland is a country with a rapidly growing EV market. With the increase in electric vehicles on the road, the need for EV charging infrastructure has become paramount. The Polish government has recognized this and is investing in building charging infrastructure nationwide.
This has led to the emergence of various players in the market, including utilities, charging network providers, and hardware manufacturers, all vying for a share of the growing market. In this article, we will provide an overview of the Polish EV charging market, examining the current state of the market and the challenges and opportunities for growth.
Additionally, we will explore the future prospects of the market and the potential impact of policy changes and technological advancements.
How many EVs are there on Polish countries’ roads?
In terms of sales, Poland is among the top passenger car markets in Europe, ranking sixth among the countries in the European Union and European Free Trade Association. However, the majority of Poland’s passenger car fleet is currently comprised of vehicles with combustion engines.
Nevertheless, there is a solid commitment to increasing the number and percentage of electric passenger cars in the country. ElectroMobility Poland (EMP) has demonstrated this commitment by unveiling the Izera, Poland’s first electric car, which is set to hit the streets in 2024
As of January, the number of registered fully or partially electric vehicles in Poland has increased to 67,097, which is 63% higher than the previous year. Despite this accelerated growth, the figure still needs to be significantly higher than the government’s target of having one million electric vehicles on Polish roads by 2025. Moreover, compared to other European Union countries, the proportion of electric vehicles in Poland is relatively low.
The Polish Automotive Industry Association (PZPM) and the Polish Alternative Fuels Association (PSPA) have released these new figures, encompassing both passenger and commercial vehicles. Among these, the majority are passenger vehicles, with 63,701 recorded by the end of January, an increase from 39,328 the previous year. Of these, 51% are fully electric (BEV, battery electric vehicles), and the rest are plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV).
What are the most popular EV models in Poland?
With various models and features available, choosing the right EV can be a complex process. Factors such as range, charging infrastructure, cost, and environmental impact are all important considerations when making an EV choice.
In this context, consumers must research and assess their needs to make an informed decision about which EV is right for them. Let’s see which car models Polish drivers prefer.
For example, in 2020, the Samar Automotive Market Research Institute reported that as of the year’s end, there were 20,181 electric cars registered on Poland’s roads, with 9,751 being fully electric (48.3%) and 10,430 being plug-in hybrids (51.7%).
Of these, 9,996 units were registered in 2020, which is more than double the number registered in 2019 (4,591 units). In December 2020 alone, 1,855 electric cars were registered, with 1,673 of those being purchased from domestic dealerships, the same as the previous year.
As for 2022, Tesla 3 was Poland’s most popular electric car model, with 761 units registered that year. Ford Mustang Mach-E took the following place with 745 units (according to Statista information).
The number of EV Charging stations
Poland has been working on expanding its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in recent years, with approximately 2232 public charging stations available as of June 2022. This number is constantly increasing as the government and private companies invest in building more charging points across the country.
In addition to traditional charging stations, Poland has also implemented innovative solutions such as mobile charging units and wireless charging technology. Furthermore, the government offers financial incentives to individuals and businesses to install EV charging stations, further supporting the expansion of the charging infrastructure.
Despite the progress made, there is still room for improvement. For example, some rural areas still lack sufficient charging infrastructure, and the existing charging stations may not be evenly distributed across the country.
Government incentives for EV owners
The Polish government has implemented various incentives to encourage EV adoption and support EV owners. These incentives include tax breaks, subsidies, and free parking in designated areas.
For example, electric cars and plug-in hybrids are exempt from the annual vehicle registration tax for a period of five years. Additionally, businesses can deduct 50% of the cost of purchasing EVs from their taxes, and there are subsidies available for the installation of EV charging infrastructure.
In November 2022, the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management in Poland provided 500 million zlotych ($125 million, €115 million) in incentives for consumers purchasing electric vehicles to reduce fossil fuel usage in the transportation sector. The “My e-car” (Mój Elektryk) subsidy plan offers financial aid for leasing costs and subsidies for purchasing zero-emission cars for individual customers.
The subsidies apply to EVs with a price of up to 225,000 zlotych (€48) and vary depending on the annual distance driven. Another initiative aims to encourage the development of infrastructure for hydrogen fuelling and EV charging, offering a grant of up to 25% of eligible costs for constructing a charging station with a power of at least 22 kW for residential and commercial purposes.
The program is open to local government units, entrepreneurs, cooperatives, housing communities, and individual farmers. Overall, the government incentives for EV owners in Poland are helping to drive the growth of EV adoption and support the country’s transition to a cleaner and more sustainable future.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Poland has made significant strides in promoting the adoption of electric vehicles and developing infrastructure to support them. The government has implemented various incentives to encourage EV ownership and reduce fossil fuel usage in the transportation sector.
However, the current number of EVs on the road and charging stations still needs to catch up to many other European countries, indicating a need for further investment and development. Additionally, the cost of EVs remains relatively high compared to traditional vehicles, which may discourage some consumers from making the switch.
Nonetheless, with the increasing global focus on reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to a more sustainable future, EV adoption will likely continue to grow in Poland and worldwide.
