Lublin with Electromobility Development Strategy

The Strategy for Electromobility Development in Lublin” outlines the current transportation system in the city, including private, municipal and public communication, and defines the city’s main actions needed to expand this system. The draft strategy was consulted with citizens, universities, energy companies, municipally owned enterprises, businesses and public administration bodies. Boosting take-up of electric vehicles is a great chance for the sustainable growth of the city. Actually, Lublin has been implementing e-mobility for many years already. In 2023 we will celebrate the 70^th anniversary of first trolleybuses entering the streets of Lublin– says Artur Szymczyk, Deputy Mayor for Investment and Development.

The main aim of the strategy is to create conditions to kickstart the growth of electromobility in the city, which applies to private and public communication, public administration bodies, utility providers, businesses, universities, building administrators and owners, as well as Lublin citizens and visitors. Development directions set by the document will contribute to creating a sustainable transportation system that is based on public transportation and alternative forms of communication within the city. The strategy also elaborates on the actions provided for in the Act of 11 January 2018 on electromobility and alternative fuels, which introduced certain obligations for local governments. From 1^st January 2022, at least 10% of vehicles they use need to be electric, while from 2028 zero emission vehicles should account for at least 30% of the public transportation system. Moreover, starting from next year, local governments will be obliged to grant contracts worth over EUR 30,000 only to entities that use at least 10% electric or natural gas-powered vehicles to carry out their tasks. According to the act, a minimum number of EV charge points in Lublin is 210.

The current energy grid keeps pace with the demand for power and electricity in Lublin and allows for charging 10,000 electric vehicles, even at peak times. This proves the city is ready to meet requirements set forth in the national Electromobility Development Plan.

Lublin also has a long tradition of car manufacturing and necessary technical resources that can become the basis for producing electric buses. Additionally, it is proud to be home to scientists and well-trained technical staff who should be used by innovative companies that develop electric mobility, energy storage solutions and renewable energy sources.

Public transportation plays a vital role in spearheading the growth of e-mobility. Over 30% of Lublin’s entire bus and trolleybus fleet is now zero emission vehicles, which means the city has already achieved the required share. Over the next few years, the city aims to purchase even more electric vehicles and deliver a dedicated charging infrastructure. The plan for the years 2020-2023 is to buy 15 18-metre-long trolleybuses and thirty-nine electric buses, including 32 12-metre-long and 7 18-metre-long ones. New charging points for public transportation fleet will be located at bus terminals in the suburbs, at the Integrated Metropolitan Station and on the site of the depot on Grygowej Street.

As of the end of 2020, there were 135 electric vehicles registered in Lublin, including 122 cars and 13 trucks. The city hosts 20 public charging points across the city. The recently adopted “Plan for construction of public charging stations in Lublin” envisages the rollout of further 192 charge points, which will allow the municipality to meet legal obligations in terms of availability of such stations by 2022. What is more, the fleet used by the Lublin City Hall will be regularly replaced by EVs.