Growth of the electromobility in Poland –promising sector and opportunities for foreign entities in SMART CITY projects.
Poland is one of the leading greenhouse gas emitting countries (including CO2) in EU. In 2019 Poland was fourth in the ranking of the largest CO2 emitters in the EU, 5th in Europe and 20th in the world with a share of nearly 1% in global emissions.
On July 14 European Commission adopted “Fit for 55” package, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. Furthermore “Fit for 55” assumes the withdrawn of the combustion engine vehicles from the market by 2035. For this reason one of the steps to achieve this goal and reduce generated CO2 emissions in Poland is to popularize the usage of electric (or another fuel) cars among consumers and to replace most of the governmental vehicles and public transport with electric vehicles.
According to data prepared by Polish Alternative Fuels Association[1] (PSPA) from the end of December 2020, a total of 18,875 electric vehicles were registered in Poland. Last year, 9,879 of them were added – 140% more than in 2019. In addition at the end of last year, the electric bus park in Poland numbered 430 units. In the period from January to December 2020, the electric bus fleet increased by 201 zero-emission vehicles. Compared to 2019, this means a change of 253% for year. In turn, in the first half of 2021 more than 7,000 new electric vehicles were registered, almost 190% more than in the same period last year.
Importantly, the interest of Polish consumers in purchasing electric cars is also growing year by year. According above report, 29% of Poles declare that they are willing to buy an electric car, where in 2017 this percentage was only 12%. As the number of electrically driven vehicles increases, the electric vehicle supply equipment also develops. In Poland, as of now there are about 1,500 electric vehicle charging stations (as well about 3,000 charging points) and we observe that there is a further successive growth.
The above trends and statistics showing the development of electromobility also translated into changes in the law introduced by the Polish legislator. Particularly significant scope of changes, which should be highlighted are as follows:
- in planned investments of non-residential buildings will have to be provided one charging point and allowance of the installation of charging points for at least 1 out of 5 parking spaces. Likewise for residential buildings with more than 10 parking spaces, it will be necessary to install charging points for each parking space;
- public and local authorities will be obliged to increase the fleet of electric vehicles (e.g. in local governments with more than 50,000 inhabitants, in 2025 electric buses will make up 20%, while the fleet of public authorities will have to consist of 50% of electric cars);
- special regulations for infrastructure development hydrogen refueling and defining hydrogen as fuel are to be implemented;
- charging services will be allowed to provide by more than one supplier;
- the model of operator of the charging station will be similar to the current model in other European countries, it means that the operator will be responsible for the operation of the station and for contracting electricity;
Furthermore numerous programs are planned by the Polish government to support the development of electromobility in Poland, as an example:
- program estimated at PLN 800 million for the development of electric car charging infrastructure;
- electric car purchase support program for individuals and companies (In July 2021, the government subsidy programme “My electrician” was launched);
- the possibility of CIT exemption for a maximum of 15 years in the case of investments aimed at the production of products for the development of electromobility.
However, it should be noted that to take advantage of such incentives , i.e. participate in in above programs it may be required to conduct business in Poland through Polish company or branch of foreign company registered in Poland.
To summarize, forecasts for electromobility development in Poland in the coming years are very optimistic. According to the “Polish EV Outlook 2021” report, by 2025 the total number of electric passenger cars and commercial vehicles in Poland may increase even 20 times and reach 300 thousand units. These forecasts, although ambitious, seem achievable especially in the context of the implementation of the “Fit for 55” package.
In particular, it should be expected that local governments will become much more involved in the development of the electric vehicle supply equipment, which for many entrepreneurs in this industry will provide an opportunity to establish a long-term cooperation with reliable partners.
[1] https://pspa.com.pl/2021/informacja/licznik-elektromobilnosci-rok-2020-rekordowy-na-polskim-rynku-samochodow-elektrycznych/?lang=en