Łukasiewicz-Poznań Institute of Technology (Łukasiewicz-PIT) is preparing to start testing its new underground car charging station for electric vehicles (EVs) in April 2025. The innovative charger developed in collaboration with Czysta Polska NGO combines convenience with aesthetic integrity of urban spaces, as it is designed to be fully integrated into the surroundings with only a marked lid visible at ground level. Once the lid is lifted, the cable can be pulled out and connected the vehicle. This solution will eliminate clutter and obstruction to pedestrians and cyclists, a concern frequently associated with traditional charging stations.
The device will be powered by an advanced AI-based software system analysing various factors to optimize charging performance. Drivers will be able to select preferred charging modes based on their specific needs like time, battery preservation and cost efficiency. The devices are also expected to form a network adaptable to various power sources, ensuring the most efficient energy usage. The AI-controlled system will also monitor grid availability and pricing to ensure drivers are charged the most competitive rates for energy consumption.
PIT’s innovative charging solution comes just in time of rapid increase of the number of electric vehicles in Poland. In 2024 over 132,000 electric and hybrid cars were registered, which could be charged in 8,200 public devices. As the demand for EV infrastructure grows, more efficient and unobtrusive charging solutions are needed, particularly in urban areas. Thus, PIT’s stations are expected to be particularly well-suited for installation in densely populated residential districts and company parking lots, where space is often limited. Once the tests are completed, mass production of EV chargers is planned to begin in the second half of 2025. Łukasiewicz-PIT is a part of Łukasiewicz Research Network, one of the biggest R&D networks in Europe composed of 22 institutes employing 4500 scientists and engineers.
