Electric cars are still a niche segment
According to the study “Poles’ wallets under the microscope” conducted by ARC Rynek i Opinia, commissioned by Volkswagen Financial Services, purchasing an electric car is still a niche choice. Only 4% of people declare buying a battery-powered car. subjects. Surprisingly, electric cars are more popular among older people.
It was also noted that almost half of the surveyed Poles – 42 percent – plans to buy a car in the next twelve months. Although used cars are still the most popular – 58% of people choose them. those planning to purchase – this is participation new cars is gradually growing (42% of those planning to buy them). According to the authors of the study, Poles choose them primarily because of their reliability, indicated by 68 percent. and the latest security systems, important to 53 percent. respondents.
Generation Z is the least likely to plan to buy a car
The report shows that millennials are much more ready to buy a car today than representatives of Generation Z. Younger Poles, aged 18-24, are the least likely to plan to buy a car – they postpone this decision more often than people over 55 years of age.
The most popular electric cars from China
The study indicated that Chinese car brands are increasingly appearing among the options considered, especially when buying a new car. “He declares his interest in them every third person planning to buy a car from a showroom (36%), while in the case of used cars it is 23 percent. In practice, this means that Chinese models are beginning to be perceived as a real alternative, especially for customers looking for new cars,” it said, pointing out that they are most attracted by the attractive price, but concerns about quality remain a significant barrier.
Electromobility in Poland is a “niche choice”
As reported, electromobility remains a “niche choice” in Poland – only 4 percent respondents plan to buy an electric car. The authors pointed out that subsidies, infrastructure development and a drop in the prices of such cars could increase drivers’ interest in electric cars – areas that could actually improve as the market develops.
The report indicates that younger Poles (18-24 years old) are more likely than older groups to indicate that electrical technology is too new and does not inspire their full confidence. However, people aged 45–54 show increasing openness, pointing to the ecological and cost advantages of electric cars.
Poles most often buy cars for cash
The authors of the report stated that Poles surveyed remain “exceptionally conservative” when it comes to vehicle financing. Cash is still the most popular method – declared by 76%. buyers of a used car and 56 percent new car buyers. “When buying a car, they usually aim for a budget of PLN 25,000-50,000 in the case of used models and PLN 100,000-150,000 in the case of new ones,” they added.
They also indicated that almost two-thirds of people planning to buy a car believe that the most comfortable installment amount is an amount not exceeding PLN 1,000 per month. The youngest adults (18-24 years old) most often choose to pay in cash, but they are the ones who consider long-term rentals more often than older groups.
Long-term rental
The authors of the study added that last year 5% indicated renting. respondents, although as many as 49 percent found it an attractive solution. This year’s results show that 9 percent those planning to buy a new car declare that they will choose rental.
Where do Poles look for car offers?
The report also shows that advertising portals when looking for a car – used by 67%. subjects. R also play an important rolerecommendations from friends, family and mechanics. “Younger Poles surveyed, especially from the 18-24 and 25-34 age groupsdraw knowledge mainly from social media, such as YouTube, TikTok or Instagram, while older people prefer direct contact with the showroom and conversation with an advisor,” the report noted.
The study “Poles’ wallets under the microscope” was conducted in December 2025 by ARC Rynek i Opinia on behalf of the Volkswagen Financial Services brand. 1,102 individual clients and 201 companies took part in it. In the case of individual clients, the survey was carried out using the CAWI (Computer-Assisted Web Interviewing) method on the ePanel.pl online panel, while in the case of companies, the CATI (Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing) method was used.
