Government subsidies for electric cars are the Polish part of the European Commission's programme to popularise zero-emission transport. The activities undertaken within the framework of the "My Electric" project are aimed at a wide audience, thanks to which almost anyone can take part in the programme. Are you looking for information on the conditions of the subsidy? Are you interested in how much is the subsidy for an electric car? You will find the answers to all these questions right here!
Government subsidies for electric cars - how can you apply for a grant?
Government subsidies for electric cars, available under the 'My Electric Car' programme, are granted to citizens of the Republic of Poland. The project to popularise electromobility in Poland is coordinated by the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management (NFOŚiGW).
Applying for a government subsidy for an electric car is only possible after registering on a special platform prepared by NFOŚiGW. This means that it is not possible to apply for a car subsidy after sending an application written on paper to the office.
It is not only the form in which the application for the subsidy is submitted that is important, but also the timing. The subsidy for electric cars is granted from 12 July 2021 to 30 September 2025. However, this does not mean that every application submitted within this period will be granted. If the number of beneficiaries reaches the assumed financial limit, i.e. PLN 700 million, the 'My Electrician' programme will be terminated earlier.
In addition to the need to apply online and a certain budget, obtaining the subsidy requires a number of other criteria. Fortunately, a subsidy for the purchase of an electric car is readily available. What's more, it covers various types of vehicle acquisition. Nor does the owner have to be exclusively an individual.
Who can receive a government subsidy for electric cars?
Electric car subsidies for individuals are available to all Polish citizens. The car can have a co-owner. It is also important that the funds for the purchase of the car can also come from a loan from a bank.
An individual who opts for a subsidy is required to make several declarations. One of these is to participate only in the 'My Electrician' programme. It is not possible to benefit from the grant if one has previously received money for this purpose in another country.
The vehicle should be used by the beneficiary for two years and must not be sold before that. Registration outside Poland is also not allowed. At the end of this period, the state of the odometer must be reported to the Central Register of Vehicles and Drivers (CEPiK). It is also necessary to mark it with a special NFOŚiGW sticker.
Among other important conditions, the electric car must not be entered in the register of fixed assets used for business activities. The vehicle must also be insured against theft, accidental damage (caused, for example, in a car park) and damage suffered as a result of a collision. Not only a third-party liability policy, but also an AC policy is necessary to obtain the subsidy.
Do the government's electric car subsidies extend to businesses?
The good news for those interested in electromobility is that not only individuals can buy an electric car. Economic entities and public institutions can also receive subsidies. The range of legal entities listed by the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management is very wide. As a result, most organisations registered in Poland are able to get money.
One group that can apply for a subsidy is sole traders. Those wishing to do so who are sole traders are subject to the same rules as companies with employees. As a result, companies that deliver, for example, food, can benefit from the 'My Electrician' programme, thereby reducing the purchase price of bicycles, mopeds or electric scooters. There is no limit to the minimum or maximum number of people a company can employ.
Public institutions that can benefit from the subsidy include public finance sector units. Contracts for the purchase of electric cars can also be concluded by local authorities. This applies to both fleets of passenger cars and vehicles used to transport more than eight people, i.e. electric buses.
Other legal entities that can apply for government subsidies for electric cars are research institutions, associations, public benefit foundations, churches and other registered religious organisations. Individual farmers are also entitled to receive a rebate.
What conditions must be met to get government subsidies for electric cars?
Government subsidies for electric cars only apply to zero-emission vehicles. Therefore, the 'My Electric' programme, despite its name, allows you to receive money also for a hydrogen car. However, it is not possible to receive a subsidy for a hybrid car. This is due to a decision by the European Commission, which did not allow the subsidisation of cars that emit greenhouse gases.
The age of the vehicle is another condition for the subsidy to be granted. Electric cars covered are new vehicles only. The maximum mileage that is recognised is 50 km. An electric car covered by the subsidy requires a signed contract for ownership by the individual. Instead, electric cars previously registered with a dealer, importer or leasing company are not honoured under the scheme.
The Ministry of the Environment is currently considering the possibility of subsidising aftermarket vehicles. A second-hand electric car with a subsidy can be bought in several European Union countries, as the Commission's decision did not exclude this possibility. However, in Poland, a subsidy for used zero-emission vehicles is not currently granted.
It is also important to remember that government subsidies for electric cars should be considered as compensation for the expense incurred. This is because it is not possible to receive a subsidy for a car that has not yet been purchased or made available under a lease agreement. The vehicle must first be registered in Poland. It must also be insured.
In order to obtain the subsidy, a declaration is also required in which the beneficiary undertakes to remain in use of the car for at least two years after receiving the subsidy. Cars in the M1, N1 and L1e-L7e categories are subsidised. Individuals can purchase a vehicle classified as M1 only. 
How much will the government's electric car subsidy amount to?
Government subsidies for electric cars amount to PLN 18,750. Large Family Card holders can get PLN 27,000. In the latter case, the average annual mileage should be at least 15,000 km. Both amounts apply to the purchase or leasing of a vehicle by individuals.
Higher rates of support for the purchase of electrics extend to businesses. Subsidised electric cars for businesses depend on eligible costs. The government scheme also applies to other electric vehicles for business use.
What subsidy for electric cars covers businesses and institutions? Vans are covered by a rebate of up to PLN 50,000 when the eligible cost of the vehicle does not exceed 20% of the vehicle purchase, or up to PLN 70,000 when it is 30%. A mileage of at least 20 000 km is also required in this case.
Companies wishing to obtain subsidies for other electric vehicles (two-, three- and four-wheelers) can get PLN 4 000. In this case, the eligible costs cannot exceed 30% of the purchase price.
The subsidy for the purchase of an electric car applies to vehicles costing up to PLN 225,000. This is an eligible cost and not the net or gross price. This means that not every individual or business can count on buying a car at the maximum price. The final price you will be able to pay depends on the tax rate that can be deducted from the gross price.
What subsidised electric car can a taxpayer who cannot write off the VAT rate afford? In this situation, the eligible cost is equal to the gross price, i.e. PLN 225,000, so the maximum net price of the car is PLN 182,927.
In turn, the 50% VAT deduction enlarges the purchase options. The gross cost for the car can then be as much as PLN 248,205. In the case of taxpayers who can deduct 100% VAT, the eligible cost is the same as the net price of the vehicle. As a result, the car can cost up to PLN 276 750.
Government subsidies for electric cars are a good idea, thanks to which it may be possible to popularise emission-free private and public transport in the future. Nevertheless, the Polish Government still has a lot of work to do. The measures taken will not be able to get rid of many of the problems plaguing the fledgling electromobility. Much also depends on the car companies themselves. The still too high prices of electric cars and an insufficient number of charging stations are the ills of this technology, which should be eliminated as soon as possible.
