In the quickly changing world, everyone wants to have access to the newest technologies that make our everyday lives easier but which are also beneficial on a larger scale. E-mobility is one of the key concerns in the agendas of many governments. Without their help, changes would be much more difficult to introduce.
Poland has been interested in e-mobility for years. One of the key goals listed in the Strategy of Sustainable Development is releasing a million EVs on Polish roads by 2025. This ambitious plan aims to reduce pollution caused by fossil fuel-based economy, a problem with which Poland has been struggling. However, it’s not enough that EVs are widely-used in the country; a whole complex infrastructure is needed to allow them to function. That’s why governments need to build a solid alternative fuel infrastructure as well as introduce changes in taxation.
So far, the Polish government has been declaring extensive support for the e-mobility movement. Still, not many people switched to alternative fuel cars. For instance, people buying EVs outside the country had to pay excise duty, and while the rate was low, the extra cost, in addition to an already expensive car, was enough to deter many buyers.
And so, the government rethought their strategy and put forward the Act on Electromobility and Alternative Fuels. It was signed in February by President Andrzej Duda. It’s a real game changer.
The act establishes a framework for building a basic alternative fuel infrastructure, such as charging points for electric energy, LNG, CNG and hydrogen. Moreover, it introduces benefits for potential electric energy sellers. First of all, they won’t have to apply for a permit to build charging stations and points. Also, charging of EVs will not be regarded as a sale of electric energy in legal terms, so no licences will be required.
As for tax measures, excise duty exemptions will be introduced for EVs and hydrogen-powered vehicles, as well as temporarily for hybrid vehicles. Secondly, it’ll be easier to make depreciation write-offs for EVs versus regular cars. Alternative fuel vehicles will also be free from parking fees.
To help fight the pollution, a city council may establish “clean transport areas” — only available for electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles and CNG and LNG vehicles.
The Act is just step one towards e-mobility in Poland, but it’s a big one. However, the changes need to be well thought-through. Let’s hope that these changes will encourage more people to switch to alternative fuel vehicles! This topic was presented and discussed at Impact mobility rEvolution’18 congress. The Strategic Partner of the event was Volkswagen Financial Services.
