During the panel discussion entitled “Revolution in the Polish automotive sector: defining the winning formula”, which took place as part of the New Mobility Congress in Łódź, experts from various sectors – from banking, through industry, to public institutions – discussed the main challenges and opportunities facing before our country in the context of electric transport. The discussion focused on issues of financing, education, infrastructure and Poland’s position on the global electromobility map.
The key role of infrastructure
One of the first topics discussed during the meeting was the close relationship between the development of electromobility and the transformation of the energy sector. As Mariusz Kondraciuk, director of the Smart Infrastructure industry at Siemens Polska, emphasized, large-scale implementation of electromobility will not be possible without the modernization of the energy infrastructure, which must provide adequate power for charging vehicles.
– We cannot talk about transformation in the area of mobility without the simultaneous transformation of the energy sector. The transition to electromobility without modernizing the network and increasing the available power for charging infrastructure will be simply impossible, he emphasized.
The panel participants agreed that the key element of success is a significant increase in the location of charging stations and the modernization of energy networks, which will allow for effective management of the growing energy demand. The lack of appropriate infrastructure can be a serious problem, especially for companies managing vehicle fleets.
– When building a charging station at our headquarters, we had to wait over a year for it to be connected. At the same time, we urgently need ultra-fast stations so as not to waste valuable time on charging, especially in the case of business fleets – added Mariusz Kondraciuk.
Financing the transformation
Anna Trudzik, director of the prosumer energy department at the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management, emphasized that the transformation of the mobility sector requires significant financial outlays. Mariusz Włodarczyk, managing director of Santander Leasing, assured that banks are ready to support investments in electromobility, and European funds are also available.
– We have funds and cooperate with funds, including the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management, and we use funds from the KPO. I am not worried about the funds – they are available and we are ready to invest them, assured Włodarczyk.
The panelists emphasized the importance of responsible financial management and the stability of regulations that will enable long-term investments.
Education is the key to change
The debate participants drew attention to the key role of public education. As they noted, awareness of the benefits of electromobility in Poland is still too low, which inhibits the development of this technology. Education should cover all levels of learning to change societal attitudes towards mobility and encourage the use of low-emission modes of transport.
– Thematic education should start from kindergarten. Of course, we promote electromobility at industry events, but it is necessary to change its common perception, and this is a long-term process. We need to teach the youngest that it is better to choose an electric bicycle instead of a combustion car – noted Mariusz Włodarczyk.
Mariusz Kondraciuk / Press materials
The implementation of electromobility on a large scale will not be possible without the modernization of the energy infrastructure, which must provide adequate power for charging vehicles, he emphasized. Mariusz Kondraciuk
Experts also emphasized the importance of regulatory stability. Clear and predictable regulations are crucial for entrepreneurs to make long-term investment decisions. Legal changes during the investment may lead to suspension of the implementation of electric fleets and inhibit the development of electromobility.
Take advantage of opportunities
Despite the lack of its own car brand, Poland is one of the largest European exporters of automotive components. Experts assessed that our country has a great opportunity to become a leader in the production of components for electric vehicles thanks to investments in new technologies.
– We are standing on the threshold of a great change. Let’s invest in digitalization and modern technologies to remain a competitive market, concluded Mariusz Kondraciuk.
The panel also discussed the need for dialogue between European Union countries and China to limit the import of components and increase local production, especially in the field of key elements, such as batteries for electric cars.
Regardless of its current position, Poland has a chance to become a country supplying innovative products to the automotive market. To achieve this, investments in cutting-edge technologies and digitalization are necessary.
Experts pointed out that digitalization allows for better management of energy infrastructure and increased efficiency. Thanks to smart grids, energy can be delivered faster, and changing the energy mix will allow the use of renewable sources to power electric vehicles.
– We must focus on digitalization. The automotive industry in Poland understands its importance, but must follow this path to remain competitive, added Mariusz Kondraciuk, citing the Siemens Digi Index study, which shows that despite progress in digitalization, there is still a lot to do.
Fleet electrification and ESG
In recent years, more and more companies have been adapting their strategies to ESG standards, and the electrification of car fleets is becoming a key element in the implementation of their environmental commitments. To support the development of electromobility in Poland, Siemens offers ultra-fast chargers with a power of up to 300 kW, which can charge a vehicle in just 15 minutes.
– Thanks to our solutions, Poles will not be discouraged by the prospect of long charging times. All you need is a short break for coffee or to use the toilet, emphasized Mariusz Kondraciuk. He added that Siemens products are manufactured within a controlled resource chain. This process helps companies meet their ESG obligations.
What then is the future of the sector in Poland? The participants agreed that – although we are only at the beginning of the transformation – we ultimately have a chance to become one of the European leaders in electromobility. The key to success will be awareness of society, business and decision-makers, inter-sectoral cooperation and appropriate investments.
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