Poland to build its first e-car plant next year

The Polish government has chosen Jaworzno, in the southern industrial region of Silesia, as the site for the country's first electric vehicle factory.

Construction on the plant will begin next year, and by the autumn of 2024 the first vehicles produced by ElectroMobility Poland, a state-owned company, should be rolling off the production line, the firm said in a press release.

The Jaworzno plant will be located in the Katowice Special Economic Zone where the automotive sector accounts for 60 percent of investments.

The official green light for the plant came after an agreement was signed on Tuesday by Michal Kurtyka, the climate and environment minister, representatives of ElectroMobility Poland (EMP) and Silesia province officials, according to the EMP press release.

"The investment is an important element of the plan for Silesia and allows us to develop an innovative industry that creates permanent jobs in the region," Kurtyka said.

He added that the project, due to its strategic importance, would receive the support of the government.

"A state that thinks ahead is able to perceive market 'momentum' and define strategic areas that will enable the country's economic development,” said the minister.

EMP CEO Piotr Zaremba, quoted in the company's press release, said that production of the Polish made e-car models under the brand name Izera would be launched in 2024. He added that thanks to the investment, 15,000 new jobs would be created.

In late July, EMP unveiled two e-car prototypes in hatchback and SUV versions.

ElectroMobility Poland was established by four Polish energy companies - Enea, Energa, PGE and Tauron - in which the Polish government holds dominant or considerable stakes.