The innovative charging station, developed in collaboration with Czysta Polska, aims to combine sustainability with convenience while maintaining the aesthetic integrity of urban spaces.

The device, which will start being tested in April 2025, is designed to be fully integrated into the surroundings, with only a marked lid visible at ground level.

Once the lid is lifted, the driver can pull out a cable and connect it to the vehicle for charging. This solution is expected to eliminate clutter and avoid obstruction to pedestrians and cyclists, a concern frequently associated with traditional above-ground charging stations.

The underground charger will be powered by an advanced AI-based software system, which can analyze a variety of factors to optimize charging performance. Drivers will be able to select their preferred charging modes based on their specific needs, whether it’s speed, battery preservation, or cost efficiency.

Tomasz Markowski, Director of the Digital Transformation Center at Łukasiewicz-PIT, said: 'The application will allow drivers to set a target battery level, a specific charging time, or simply optimize for cost savings. The AI system will then select the best charging mode and even estimate the price.’

The stations will be part of a network, or ‘cluster’, which can adapt to various power sources, ensuring the most efficient energy usage possible. The AI-controlled system will also monitor grid availability and pricing to ensure drivers are charged the most competitive rates for their energy consumption.

The innovative underground charging stations come at a time when the number of electric vehicles in Poland is rapidly growing.

As of October 2024, over 132,000 fully electric cars and plug-in hybrids were registered in the country, alongside nearly 8,200 public charging points.

However, with the growing demand for EV infrastructure, more efficient and unobtrusive charging solutions are needed, particularly in dense urban areas.

Mateusz Domagała, spokesperson for Łukasiewicz-PIT, said: ‘This charger will be the first of its kind to be located below ground level, offering a discrete, efficient, and safe charging experience.’

The new stations are expected to be particularly well-suited for installation in residential areas and company parking lots, where space is often limited.

As the project progresses, Łukasiewicz-PIT plans to begin mass production in the second half of 2025.

This new initiative reflects Poland’s growing commitment to sustainable transportation solutions. According to the institute, the project is a product of Polish technological innovation, and the system’s cost is expected to be co mpetitive with existing charging technologies.(PAP)

PAP - Science in Poland

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