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EV Charging Network in Poland Grows Rapidly, But Sector Still Faces Major Challenges

AUTOMOTIVEEV Charging Network in Poland Grows Rapidly, But Sector Still Faces Major Challenges

Poland’s electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure is expanding rapidly, with around 10,000 charging points currently in operation and an annual growth rate of approximately 50%. For many months, this expansion outpaced the growth of the EV market itself, which had been hampered by the suspension of government subsidies in 2023. However, the first quarter of 2025 ended with a 22% year-over-year increase in registrations, and April alone saw a 100% jump, signaling a strong market rebound.

According to data from InsightOut Lab, commissioned by Volkswagen, the number of EV charging locations reached 10,600 by the end of 2024—a ninefold increase over five years. The “Polish EV Outlook Index (PEVO)” reports that as of the end of April 2025, there were over 9,500 public charging points, with more than 3,000 fast-charging points, a 62% year-over-year increase. About 68% of the market consists of slower AC chargers (≤22 kW), which grew 35% year-over-year.

“Our ratio of charging points to electric vehicles is comparable to other European countries. In fact, when it comes to the number of fast-charging stations per vehicle, we perform even better than countries like Germany and the Netherlands,” said Rafał Czyżewski, CEO of GreenWay Polska, in an interview with Newseria. “But we must remember that Poland is a large country with an extensive road network. The high station-to-car ratio reflects the fact that we still have relatively few EVs on the road. So, while the growth is dynamic, we’re still at the beginning of building the infrastructure needed to support large-scale electromobility.”

As of April 2025, there were over 90,700 fully electric passenger and commercial vehicles (BEVs) on Polish roads, according to the PEVO Index (run by PSNM, IBRM Samar, and OTOMOTO). The first quarter saw a 22% increase in BEV registrations year-over-year, and April alone exceeded 100% growth, with BEVs reaching a record 5.4% share of new car sales. The relaunch of government subsidies in February 2025 under the NaszEauto program helped reverse the market stagnation following the expiration of the Mój Elektryk scheme.

Infrastructure Growth Tied to Vehicle Sales

“Last year was difficult—the number of new EVs was flat compared to 2023,” said Czyżewski. “This stagnation is a serious issue for charging infrastructure investors. Without a growing vehicle base, it’s hard to plan for long-term returns. If EV adoption resumes its previous growth trajectory, we’ll be better able to align infrastructure expansion with vehicle demand.”

A key obstacle remains the lengthy and complex process of connecting new charging stations to the distribution grid. Investors report excessive wait times and inconsistent interpretation of building regulations by local construction authorities across Poland.

“Regulatory hurdles significantly slow down projects,” Czyżewski said. “If we want to see faster development of electromobility, we need to streamline the permitting and connection process. Another issue is the high cost of electricity in Poland, which, along with expensive distribution services, makes EV operation less economical than in many other European countries or China.”

Energy Costs a Key Consideration for EV Drivers

According to the PSNM “New Mobility Barometer”, 57% of EV owners prioritize charging cost when choosing a station during long-distance travel.

“High electricity prices have discouraged EV adoption,” Czyżewski explained. “It affects the cost-benefit calculation when comparing EVs with combustion vehicles. But it’s also important to note that for public DC fast-charging stations, electricity makes up less than 50% of operating costs. Hardware, maintenance, parking space leases, and servicing contribute significantly. So, energy prices are only one part of the equation.”

Who’s Building Poland’s Charging Network?

Poland’s EV charging infrastructure is being developed primarily by private investors, with limited involvement from municipalities compared to other countries.

“The first group of investors includes specialized EV infrastructure firms like GreenWay,” said Czyżewski. “The second group comprises energy and fuel companies like Orlen and Tauron, which view EV infrastructure as a strategic priority. A third, increasingly active group includes retail chains such as Lidl and Kaufland, which have made major investments recently. In contrast to Western Europe, local governments in Poland are less engaged, leaving most of the burden on the private sector and state-owned energy firms.”


Poland’s EV charging sector is growing fast, but if it is to keep pace with European standards and consumer expectations, it will require regulatory reform, greater public investment, and a more stable and affordable energy market. The coming years will be decisive in shaping whether Poland becomes a leader or laggard in the European EV transition.

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