Historic record in EV registrations in Poland: 118% year-on-year increase

Poland registers the highest historical volume of electric vehicle (EV) registrations in May, surpassing all previous monthly records.

The figures, published by the Polish Automotive Industry Association (PZPM), reflect a sustained growth of zero-emission technologies in the country.

During the fifth month of the year, 2,818 battery electric vehicles (BEVs) were sold, representing an increase of 118% compared to the same period in 2024.

They thus reach a 6% market share, their highest level since records began.

What are the key factors behind the growth of BEVs in Poland?

The acceleration in sales is attributed to three main factors: the expansion of the offering, partly due to the inclusion of new Chinese brands in the local market, the incentives of the NaszEauto programme, and the commercial policies adopted by manufacturers to meet the EU’s 15% CO₂ emission reduction targets.

Which models were most chosen by the Poles?

With 871 units sold, the Tesla Model Y leads registrations among pure electric vehicles.

This five-seat SUV offers a range of up to 500 km according to the WLTP cycle and an AWD version with two motors.

Despite being in first place, the Tesla Model Y registers a nominal year-on-year decline of 24.2%.

In contrast, the Dacia Spring, with 485 units sold, ranks second, showing a 229% increase compared to May 2024.

It is promoted as the most affordable option, with ideal features for driving in large cities and entering the world of electromobility.

It has a range of up to 225 kilometres in the combined WLTP cycle, which can extend to 305 kilometres depending on usage.

The Tesla Model 3 completes the podium of the best-selling models in Poland.

Additionally, the South Korean company Kia appears in the top 5 with its SUV models, the EV6 and EV3.

Non-plug-in hybrids dominate the market

Conventional and micro-hybrid (HEV+MHEV) vehicles reached a combined share of 48% of the total passenger car registrations, consolidating their position as the most chosen group by Polish drivers.

9,604 HEVs and 12,050 MHEVs were registered, with year-on-year changes of -1.7% and +5.2%, respectively.

Their dominance has been maintained for over a year, fuelled by a diverse offering and consumer awareness of this technology.

Record boost for plug-in hybrids

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) marked the highest relative growth of the month: 120% compared to the same period in 2024 (2,357 units).

This is the fourth consecutive month in which this technology has surpassed its historical sales volume.

Among the standout models in this category are the Toyota C-HR PHEV, Volvo XC60 PHEV, and BYD Seal U.

Hydrogen vehicles: a developing segment

May was a significant month for fuel cell technologies.

51 hydrogen electric vehicles (FCEVs) were registered, the highest monthly total to date.

This accounts represents almost the entirety of the 56 units recorded in the annual total.

This segment, although still in its infancy, is beginning to gain attention as an alternative in specific mobility sectors.

Is Poland leaving petrol and diesel behind?

The Polish automotive market reached a total of 46,641 new passenger units in May, representing a 6.8% increase compared to the same month in 2024.

Of that total, more than 59% corresponds to electrified technologies, reflecting the consolidation of the transition towards sustainable mobility forms.

In contrast, petrol vehicles decreased by 4.6% year-on-year, representing 31.4% of the market.

Diesel vehicles, on the other hand, dropped by 3.9% and accounted for 7.8% of the market, their lowest level in recent years.

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