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Electric Vehicle Adoption in Poland: Insights from Academia and Technically Educated Youth

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  • Nikola Manev

    (Military Academy “General Mihailo Apostolski”, Goce Delcev University, St. Vasko Karangelevski 12, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia)

  • Aleksandra Pyk

    (Faculty of Management and Computer Modeling, Kielce University of Technology, al. Tysiąclecia Państwa Polskiego 7, 25-314 Kielce, Poland)

  • Monika Pendaroska

    (Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, Via Gradenigo, 6/a, 35131 Padova, Italy)

  • Artur Bartosik

    (Faculty of Management and Computer Modeling, Kielce University of Technology, al. Tysiąclecia Państwa Polskiego 7, 25-314 Kielce, Poland)

Abstract

As global concerns about climate change and air quality intensify, nations are increasingly adopting sustainable transportation solutions, with electromobility emerging as a key alternative. This study investigates the factors influencing powertrain technology choice and the barriers to electric vehicle (EV) adoption in Poland, focusing on insights from technically educated youth, early-career researchers, and academic professionals. Drawing on a mixed-methods approach, the study investigates public perceptions, motivations, and challenges associated with EV uptake in a country historically reliant on fossil fuels. Key drivers such as environmental considerations, government policies, and infrastructure development are evaluated alongside persistent obstacles, including high initial purchase costs, inadequate charging networks, range anxiety, and scepticism about battery performance. While the sample is not representative of the broader Polish population, it provides insights from a technically literate cohort likely to shape future technological and policy advancements. Our findings reveal that the adoption of EVs among this group is influenced by factors such as technological innovation and government policies, while barriers include high initial costs, limited charging infrastructure, and scepticism about perceived sustainability, battery life, and performance. The research also highlights the critical role of education and awareness in shaping attitudes toward EVs. This study, though limited by sample size and demographic focus, offers valuable contributions to understanding the early-stage adoption of EVs in Poland and serves as a foundation for future research targeting a more diverse population. The applied research model is scalable, providing a framework for broader studies that could include different age groups, geographical regions, and professional sectors.

Suggested Citation

  • Nikola Manev & Aleksandra Pyk & Monika Pendaroska & Artur Bartosik, 2025. "Electric Vehicle Adoption in Poland: Insights from Academia and Technically Educated Youth," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-16, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:11:p:5179-:d:1672018
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Liu, Xiaoling & Sun, Xiaohua & Zheng, Hui & Huang, Dongdong, 2021. "Do policy incentives drive electric vehicle adoption? Evidence from China," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 150(C), pages 49-62.
    2. Jaiswal, Deepak & Kaushal, Vikrant & Kant, Rishi & Kumar Singh, Pankaj, 2021. "Consumer adoption intention for electric vehicles: Insights and evidence from Indian sustainable transportation," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 173(C).
    3. Natcha Limpasirisuwan & Thanapong Champahom & Sajjakaj Jomnonkwao & Vatanavongs Ratanavaraha, 2024. "Promoting Sustainable Transportation: Factors Influencing Battery Electric Vehicle Adoption Across Age Groups in Thailand," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(21), pages 1-24, October.
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