The electric vehicle (EV) market in Poland is experiencing slow yet steady growth, with industry stakeholders citing insufficient charging infrastructure as a critical hurdle. According to data from the Automotive Market Research Institute SAMAR, 12,496 electric passenger cars were registered in Poland from January to October 2023. While this marks an increase in absolute numbers, the share of EVs in overall car sales dropped by 0.4 percentage points year-on-year to 3.1%.
The slower growth of charging infrastructure relative to the rising number of EVs is a significant concern. Marek Samborski, president of GARO Polska, highlighted the need for market stimulation, emphasizing the importance of an accessible and expansive charging network.
Upcoming regulations under the EU’s Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR), effective April 2024, aim to address these gaps by mandating charging stations every 60 kilometers along major European transport routes (TEN-T). However, Poland has made limited progress, with only 9% of 2025 targets met for passenger vehicle charging zones and 3.5% for 2027 targets. Challenges like limited energy connection availability further complicate compliance.
Experts stress the need for enhanced energy infrastructure, government incentives, and public education to counter outdated perceptions of EV limitations. Recent advancements in vehicle range and charging speed make EVs more practical than ever, but high prices remain a barrier for many consumers.
Positive developments include new subsidy programs for zero-emission heavy vehicles and related infrastructure, with a total budget of PLN 4 billion. These measures could help revitalize momentum in the sector. As Samborski concludes, achieving Poland’s ambitious EV targets will require coordinated efforts and renewed government support to drive market transformation.