With over 50,000 electric vehicles and 4,400 charging points, Poland’s sustainable transport sector is in the early stages of development. Despite being one of the largest markets for both light and heavy-duty transportation, only four zero-emission units were registered out of 30,000 vehicles with a gross vehicle mass exceeding 3.5 tons in 2021. The potential for growth in this sector is immense, and Poland’s unique position, including being a leading global lithium-ion battery manufacturer, offers promising investment opportunities. As of June 2022, Poland boasts 644 DC charging stations, representing 29% of the European average. The country is actively working towards expanding its public charging infrastructure, with a focus on different power ranges. The number of public charging stations and electric cars per charging point reflects Poland’s commitment to building a well-distributed and efficient charging network.
Driving E-Mobility
Poland’s Act on Electromobility and Alternative Fuels, in effect since February 22, 2018, provides statutory incentives for purchasing zero-emission vehicles. Privileges for drivers include exemptions from excise duty, free parking in paid city zones, tax benefits, and more. The legislation imposes obligations on public entities to support ecological transport and sets targets for the share of fully electric vehicles in government fleets. The Polish Alternative Fuels Association (PSPA) has played a pivotal role in advocating for support instruments in this sector. Stressing the importance of subsidies for charging infrastructure, the organization asserts that these incentives are indispensable for Poland to maintain its competitiveness in the rapidly evolving European market. As industry-wide consultations unfold, the proposed program is poised to make a lasting impact on Poland’s e-mobility landscape, fostering innovation and sustainability.
Subsidy Programs
The dedicated fund of PLN 870 million is poised to be a catalyst for the growth of Poland’s charging infrastructure from 2021 to 2028. The National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management has outlined ambitious targets, aiming to construct or upgrade 17,760 charging stations. A significant portion of PLN 630 million is allocated to bolster the development of DC fast charging stations, with a clear priority indicated by the PLN 70 million designated for slower non-public AC stations.
Quality Criterion and Program Eligibility
The program’s eligibility criteria dictate that publicly available and other charging stations must be in municipalities where the number of charging points on publicly available charging stations does not exceed 1.76 per 1000 inhabitants. This criterion is applicable outside the area covered by the plan in Article 32(1) of the Act on Electromobility and Alternative Fuels (Dz. U. of 2021. 110). As of December 31, 2021, this criterion has not been exceeded for any municipality in Poland based on the three calls for electric vehicle charging infrastructure support announced on 07.01.2022.
Program Objectives and Scope
The primary aim of the program is to provide financial support for developing infrastructure for electric vehicle charging and hydrogen refueling, with the overarching goal of reducing CO2 and NOx emissions for improved air quality. The program encompasses various funding options:
- Construction of a charging station (minimum 22 kW), excluding publicly available stations.
- Creation of a personal-use charging point (minimum 22 kW).
- Construction of a publicly available charging station (minimum 50 kW) with at least one DC charging point (minimum 50 kW).
- Reconstruction of a publicly available charging station to a minimum 50 kW and provision of DC charging service.
Budget and Implementation Period
The allocated budget for the program is PLN 870,000,000 for non-returnable co-financing. The implementation period spans from 2021 to 2028, with a contracting period until December 31, 2025, and a spending period until December 15, 2028. Eligible costs are considered from the date of submitting the application until October 30, 2028. Co-financing is available in the form of grants, including subsidies for installment or leasing fees.
Extended Benefits and Parallel Initiatives
The state program, “Support for electric vehicle charging infrastructure and hydrogen refueling infrastructure,” extends its benefits to institutional recipients, housing communities, businesses, and farmers. The planned investments cover both generally accessible charging stations and those tailored to specific owner requirements. Non-public stations must have a minimum power of 22 kW, while public ones should have a minimum power of 50 kW. Entrepreneurs establishing generally accessible stations can anticipate reimbursements ranging from 30% to 50% of costs, based on the charger’s power.
In a parallel initiative, the National Fund has introduced the “Development of electricity infrastructure for the development of electric vehicle charging stations” program, targeting Distribution System Operators. Financed through the modernization fund, this program focuses on investments in power lines, transformer stations, and distribution stations, showcasing a comprehensive approach to advancing the electric vehicle charging ecosystem.
The Polish public administration has deployed substantial subsidy programs to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles. The “My EV” program, with a budget of approximately EUR 147 million, supports individuals purchasing electric vehicles. Another program, with a budget of around EUR 183 million, focuses on EV charging infrastructure, fostering a robust ecosystem. These initiatives underscore Poland’s commitment to sustainable mobility and environmental stewardship.
Poland’s journey toward sustainable transport is marked by legislative initiatives, substantial financial support, and a strategic focus on key areas like electric buses and charging infrastructure. As one of the largest markets in Europe, Poland’s commitment to e-mobility positions it as a key player in shaping the future of electric transportation on the continent. With ongoing investments and supportive policies, Poland’s e-mobility sector is on the cusp of significant and sustainable development.
