Michał Kaniowski (Eleport): We have nothing to worry about when it comes to charging infrastructure in Poland.

Eleport is one of the most well-known and rapidly growing operators of public charging stations in the Baltic countries. Soon, the company will also make its network available in Poland.

Michał Kaniowski, Head of Sales Operations, told us about Eleport’s activities and the e-mobility revolution.

When can we expect the first Eleport charging stations in Poland?

During the upcoming Electric Mobility Congress in Poland, we will announce the launch of the first public charging stations in Poland.

What kind of stations will they be

Eleport offers a wide range of solutions for electromobility, from ultra-fast charging stations to fast and slow ones. We participate in tenders to take over already built stations and carry out new investments from the very beginning, going through the entire connection and technical acceptance process. The acquired devices are lower-power stations (AC), which we will gradually replace with fast (DC) or ultra-fast (UFC) stations. As for new investments, we focus on fast charging. However, the connection process is the same for every entity connected – we all have to patiently wait for the power to be delivered by the distribution system operator.

What criteria do you use when selecting locations for new charging stations?

We are able to reach and familiarize the widest range of recipients with electromobility.

Our procedure for evaluating locations is relatively complex and encompasses many aspects. If I were to briefly describe it, I would say that we aim to combine three areas. The first one is the future user of the charging station – we want to expand our network around infrastructure that will be a pleasant addition for drivers and allow travelers to use other services while charging. The second aspect is the electrical network – we primarily build high-capacity stations. So, we need to align our expectations with available realities. The third aspect is easy accessibility in popular locations – we primarily want to reach places with high traffic, both vehicles and people. This way, we are able to reach and familiarize the widest range of recipients with electromobility.

Do you select partners for joint investments according to a specific criteria?

Regarding partners, we are open. Anyone who can provide location leasing is welcome here. We don’t exclude anyone – we are happy to talk to everyone. According to our strategy, we have priorities for some investments, so it may happen that some of the proposed locations will be a bit further down our investment schedule.

How does the Polish market differ from markets in other European countries?

I think the biggest difference lies in the approach to electromobility itself. Key aspects include:

• Energy structure: Poland is one of the few countries in Europe that still heavily relies on coal as the main source of energy. Many European countries have transitioned to renewable energy sources, although Poland is rapidly developing in this area.
• Development of the electric vehicle market: The Polish electric vehicle market is in a growth phase, while some Western countries already have well-developed charging infrastructure and a higher share of EVs in new car sales. That’s why we have a lot of work to do, especially in terms of education and familiarization with electromobility.
• Regulations and government support: Poland, like other Central and Eastern European countries, is just beginning to introduce more stringent CO2 emissions regulations and support for green technologies.
• Market dynamics: The Polish market is less saturated compared to more developed Western markets, which provides more opportunities for new players and innovations.

What are your forecasts for the development of e-mobility in Europe?

Our forecasts align with the data presented by the Polish Alternative Fuels Association. Day by day, we see more electric vehicles on Polish roads. As for charging stations, we have nothing to worry about in this area – both us and our esteemed competitors are reaching locations scattered across Poland.

Will Poland catch up with the West?

Poland actively strives for the development of electromobility, collaborating with various entities and educating society.

Yes, Poland is keeping up with the West, but as is often the case in most areas, there is a slight delay. Unfortunately, the time required for infrastructure development is unforgiving. This can lead people who are not involved in electromobility on a daily basis to believe that nothing is happening. In reality, many companies are in the midst of investment processes.

Poland actively strives for the development of electromobility, collaborating with various entities and educating society. Although Poland may have some delays compared to some Western countries, there are clear signs that the country is progressing towards sustainable mobility and aims to achieve Western standards in this field.

What investments do you have planned in the near future

In the near future, we are primarily focused on acquiring the most attractive locations that will meet the needs of our fleet and individual users. Our goal is not only growth but, above all, providing value to our customers. We have many investments planned. We are confident that our dedication and hard work will be appreciated by customers in the near future. We aim for each of our investments to bring tangible benefits and make the daily lives of electric vehicle drivers easier.