Electric cars still not cost-effective in Poland compared to gasoline vehicles

Poland's electric vehicle market is developing, but the economics still heavily favor gasoline-powered cars, placing the country in the 'emerging markets' category for electromobility. A recent report, Mobility Guide 2026 by Ayvens, ranks Poland alongside countries like the Czech Republic and Bulgaria, far behind leaders such as Norway, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

The report highlights a significant cost disparity. The total cost of owning an electric vehicle in Poland averages around 0.32 euros per kilometer. In contrast, a conventional gasoline car costs approximately 0.25 euros per kilometer to operate. This economic reality persists despite a notable increase in the number of electric cars and the expansion of charging infrastructure.

While Poland saw a nearly 25% increase in electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in the first seven months of 2026, reaching almost 158,400 vehicles, the overall cost of ownership remains a barrier. This contrasts with countries like Italy, which offers substantial purchase subsidies but less support for charging infrastructure development.

European markets are broadly categorized by Ayvens into developed, transforming, and emerging. Developed markets, like Norway, boast robust support systems and infrastructure mandates. Transforming markets, such as Italy and Spain, show clear interest but face medium-term challenges. Poland's position in the emerging category indicates that while progress is being made, significant economic hurdles remain before electric vehicles become a truly cost-effective option for the average consumer.