Challenges for Managing Electromobility System—A Case Study from the Central European Region

Abstract

The use of electricity to power vehicles is currently seen as a key opportunity for climate protection and the development of global economies. In this context, the aim of this article is to identify and consider the advantages of electric vehicles and the barriers to their development, as well as to present opportunities for leveraging knowledge from modern management to mitigate them. The study utilized desk research and qualitative methods. The results indicate that, despite significant consumer interest in electromobility in the European Union, the observed growth rate has been declining recently. This is due to a number of unfavorable administrative, technical, financial, and organizational conditions, which the researchers observed and present in this article. It turns out that eliminating these barriers is impossible without leveraging management knowledge, particularly in the areas of energy management and sustainable development. The article identifies specific solutions in the area of sustainable management, when implemented in practice, can contribute to increasing the efficiency of electricity use in transport, improving energy security, and protecting the natural environment.

1. Introduction

The development of the automotive industry began in the late 19th century, and today the use of private vehicles has become commonplace. Analysis of statistical data indicates that in Europe, including Poland, passenger cars are the dominant means of transportation due to their practicality, convenience, and wide availability. It is estimated that over 82% of domestic journeys are made by passenger cars—both private and those used in the form of taxis and car-sharing services. The average European citizen drives over 12,000 km per year. The current European classification system defines passenger cars as “vehicles designed and constructed for the carriage of passengers, comprising no more than eight seats in addition to the driver’s seat, and having a maximum unladen mass not exceeding 3.5 tonnes” [1]. Due to their diverse design, functionality, and utility criteria, passenger cars are divided into many classes and types, including sports cars, luxury cars, family cars, small cars and sport utility vehicles. According to statistics, the number of passenger cars in European Union countries has increased significantly over the past 10 years. In 2012, there were an average of 490 cars per 1000 inhabitants. Currently, there are 70 more, which represents a 14.3% increase. The highest numbers of passenger cars per 1000 inhabitants are found in Italy (684), Luxembourg (678), Finland (661) and Cyprus (658). According to the research sources presented in this article, Poland ranks high in this respect—11th place (572), ahead of France, Austria, and Spain. However, the passenger car fleet in Poland is not the newest—41.3% of cars registered in Poland are at least 20 years old [2]. It is common knowledge that the dynamic development of the mode of transport in question, combined with the increase in the number of cars in all European Union countries, including Poland, is associated with serious environmental challenges and the need to implement sustainable solutions, including technological ones. It is no secret that road transport is one of the largest sources of smog and noise in the environment. According to the European Environment Agency, cars, especially passenger ones, are the most polluting mode of transport due to their massive use and large share in transport. They are responsible for 60.6% of all CO₂ emissions from road transport in Europe [3]. Cars have a negative impact on human health, the condition of ecosystems and the entire environment due to emissions into the atmosphere of not only carbon dioxide (CO₂) but also nitrogen oxides (NOx) and suspended particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5), which penetrate into the lungs and blood, causing respiratory and circulatory diseases among people. The mass use of cars also threatens biodiversity and contributes to climate change, causing global warming [4]. In this context, it is not surprising that replacing traditional, high-emission car drive technologies with low-emission alternatives is currently considered as one of the key opportunities for protecting the climate and living beings. At the same time, scientific research is being conducted into solutions aimed at improving energy efficiency and thermal management capabilities. Researchers emphasize that detailed optimization strategies still remain to be developed [5].

First and foremost, the widespread use of electricity to power vehicles is being considered. This is especially true given that the supply of raw materials used to produce electric car batteries is no longer a problem. For example, available analyses indicate that global lithium resources are sufficient to produce billions of electric vehicles. A significant reduction in the share of cobalt in modern batteries has also been observed—its content has dropped from approximately 12% to nearly 6%, reducing both production costs and dependence on raw materials with problematic social and geopolitical conditions [6]. Lithium–iron–phosphate battery technologies are also becoming increasingly widespread. They do not contain cobalt or nickel, yet they are characterized by high durability and safety of use. However, the authors’ research verifies and partially challenges the previously optimistic assumptions regarding electric cars. Although they are often perceived as an excellent pro-ecological solution, the results indicate the need for a critical and balanced approach to their assessment—a comprehensive one that will take into account various aspects and conditions. In practice, there are obstacles, including technological, infrastructural, political and economic ones, that slow down the process of decarbonizing transport. It is not without reason that interest in electric cars is declining among drivers themselves, which may indicate a growing gap between transport policy assumptions and the real expectations of users. The European automotive industry is still focusing on electrification, although there are voices about the need to modify previous assumptions, in particular in terms of the pace of implementation of changes, the availability of charging infrastructure, production costs and taking into account alternative drive technologies as transitional solutions [7]. This article contributes to this important discussion on the current challenges of electromobility. The authors argue that, in order to develop electromobility and bring it to a higher level of usability, the following are needed:

(a)

Innovative technological solutions,

(b)

Economical and legal support,

(c)

Intensification of work on infrastructure development,

(d)

Integration with renewable energy sources (e.g., photovoltaics, energy warehouses, V2G, and dynamic tariffs),

(e)

Implementation of the principles of systemic sustainable management.

This article focuses specifically on point (e), concerning the principles of systemic sustainable management. In this context, its goal is to identify and consider not only the advantages but also the barriers to the operation (use, maintenance, technical support, power supply) of electric vehicles, and to present opportunities for leveraging knowledge from modern management to eliminate or reduce them.

2. Conceptual Framework Literature Review

Electric mobility is a relatively new branch of industry focused on transportation based on electric vehicles. It includes not only electric cars but also bicycles, scooters, and other electric vehicles [8]. According to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association for 2024, there are already approximately 10 million electric vehicles on the roads in European countries. ACEA members currently offer over 300 electrified models. Hundreds of billions of euros have been invested in the development of such vehicles. This situation is driven by widespread and growing climate awareness, technological advancements and the intensive promotion of these vehicles. Manufacturers argue, among other things, that implementing electric mobility can lead to a reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions, especially if renewable energy is used [9]. Among the ecological, economic, technological, and practical advantages of electric cars, the following are commonly emphasized: cheaper power supply than traditional fuels, lower operating costs, good driving characteristics (dynamics, acceleration, stability), quiet driving, a low failure rate and, above all, environmental friendliness (no emissions from exhaust). Unlike ICEVs (internal combustion engine vehicles), electric vehicles do not emit exhaust gases, which reduces the amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and toxic pollutants, including particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide, in the atmosphere. This improves air quality [10]. One of the most important advantages of electric vehicles is the quiet electric motor, which can be an effective tool in reducing noise [11]. From an economic perspective, the development of electromobility creates opportunities for companies to maintain orders, advance in global value chains, and enable new entrants to enter these chains. Researchers argue that both companies producing finished vehicles and manufacturers of traditional parts, such as bodies, braking systems, and tires, can benefit [12]. Other scientists emphasize that, in terms of social well-being, electric vehicles contribute to the urgent need for a global transition to a more sustainable lifestyle. However, they also point out that greater accessibility for people with disabilities is essential in this regard [13]. However, despite initially optimistic assumptions and favorable scientific forecasts, recent years have seen a decline in public interest in BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) and FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle). A study conducted between 2021 and 2024 in Australia, Germany and the United Kingdom revealed consumer reluctance to phase out internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) [14]. Scientific forecasts indicate that the 2030 and 2035 CO₂ emissions targets are no longer achievable, and focusing solely on 100% electric vehicles risks, among other things, weakening the competitiveness of European industry. Weak consumer demand is making it difficult for automakers to sell electric vehicles on a large scale—which also threatens economic growth and jobs in the long term [15]. Even the media report a decline in interest in electromobility. Some journalists even go to extreme conclusions, asking what whether electric cars may turn out to be gadgets for rich people invented by politicians [16]. In general, interest in electric cars in European countries is not as high as expected; it is constantly fluctuating, without showing a significant upward trend. This situation begs the question of whether this is a temporary slump or a permanent trend that will remain with us forever, and what are its reasons. As Sigrid de Vries, Director General of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), explains, the electromobility market has not yet recovered from its pre-COVID-19 2020 levels. Currently, there is a shortage of about three million new cars per year. However, a return to combustion engines is not even on the cards. On the contrary, most EU countries offer fiscal support as an incentive to buy electric cars, although tax breaks and incentives are not the same in all countries. Tax breaks for companies are quite common in Europe [17]. It is worth noting that interest in electromobility in European countries also varies depending on the member state. According to a report by the OTOMOTO portal called “Faktor E,” devoted to the state of the electromobility market, which surveyed 5300 drivers from 10 European countries, not all of them are convinced about electric cars. In Europe, 48% declare that they would like to own an electric car in the future. In the UK, this figure reaches 62%, in Romania 59%, and in Portugal 57%. Poles are less enthusiastic and cautious about switching to electric cars. Only 35% of respondents declare a desire to own an electric car in the future. They point to, among other things, the lack of a well-developed charging network. Stereotypes pose an additional problem. As many as 48% of Poles consider BEV batteries to be, paradoxically, “not very environmentally friendly” [18]. As it turns out, users of combustion cars are the ones who most often negatively evaluate electric cars, while their current owners are more positive—they praise, above all, low operating costs, the possibility of free parking in paid parking zones, as well as environmental benefits, low noise and reduced CO₂ emissions [19]. Among the drawbacks, they point to a relatively short range and the need for frequent charging. This latter fact is also confirmed by laboratory tests conducted in 2025 on behalf of the German Automobile Club on a test bench simulating driving on the A9 motorway from Munich to Berlin (582 km) at a speed of 130 km/h. The results showed that only one of the tested vehicles did not require charging (a Mercedes EQS with a 118 kWh battery). Seven cars required one charging stop, nine required two and eight required three [20]. The test, repeated in 2026, using models such as the Audi A6 Avant e-tron, BMW i5 Touring, BYD Sealion 7, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Mercedes EQE, Opel Grandland Electric, Polestar 4, Porsche Macan, Skoda Elroq, Smart #5, Tesla Model Y, Volvo EX90 and Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer, confirmed these trends. Under winter conditions, none of the vehicles completed the route without charging, and most models required two stops; only the Audi A6 and Smart #5 completed the route with a single charge. However, the situation in Poland seems to be improving compared to previous years. In 2020, most Polish consumers purchased electric cars on the second-hand market, mainly expecting subsidies or tax exemptions that would ease the financial burden [21]. Currently, the latest registration statistics show a 74% increase in registrations of new passenger electric cars (34,000 units) in the first eight months of 2025 compared to 2024. However, although this is the largest increase in the history of the Polish BEV market, sales results in this area could still be much higher, especially since the average price of electric cars in the first half of 2025 was 18% lower compared to the entire year of 2024.

3. Materials and Methods

This article focuses on the current challenges for electromobility, analyzed from the perspective of sustainable management, using the example of Poland, a country in Central and Eastern Europe belonging to the European Union. Its main goal is to identify and consider barriers to the operation (purchase, use, maintenance, power supply) of electric vehicles and to present opportunities for leveraging knowledge from modern management to eliminate or reduce them. The theoretical part of the work (literature review) was developed using secondary sources, including content analysis of written and oral communications (disseminated through the media) as well as the desk research method. A critical literature review was conducted. The research utilized both domestic and international literature on the subject. The search was conducted using the methodological rigor of a systematic literature review. As part of the preparatory phase, databases were extracted. Full-text databases were used: ProQuest, EBSCO and the academic search engine: scholar.google.com. Keywords were used during the search process. The content of the documents, updated on an ongoing basis, was compared with materials obtained earlier. The cognitive value of the literature review and media reports contributed to identifying the current situation in the electromobility market. The main research problem was formulated as the following question: what are the advantages and barriers that hinder the effective operation of electric vehicles, and how can modern management tools and concepts help reduce or overcome them? This main question was clarified by specific questions, which took the following form:

• To what extent do electric vehicles perform well in practice, and what user experiences confirm or question their operational efficiency?
• Is a decisive shift towards electromobility combined with a move away from combustion engines a really good solution that will contribute to the reduction in environmental problems?
• What are the barriers to the development of electromobility?
• What are the advantages of electric cars?

The authors, who are university lecturers specializing in management and economics, adopted the principle of conducting a posteriori research in close correlation with theoretical thinking, recognizing the studied reality as a system (structure) of interconnected elements. The research methodology used in the study was subordinated to its main objective. Qualitative methods have been chosen due to the need for a non-numerical approach and to provide an in-depth understanding of opinions, behaviors, motivations, and experiences. The authors, in order to ensure methodological correctness, carried out a theoretical sampling procedure [22], which meant selecting the research group based on its importance to the research questions and theoretical background, and above all to the explanations they wanted to develop. Individual in-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted with Generation Z students, as they represent a group of potential customers for automotive dealerships in the coming years. These individuals use vehicles daily or plan to purchase a passenger car in the future and therefore face the choice of an appropriate means of transportation—including electric vehicles or conventionally powered cars. The study was conducted on a group of 60 representatives of Generation Z. The following stages of the sample selection process were adopted—Figure 1.

To avoid accusations of researcher bias (gender bias), the reproduction of stereotypes, or the risk of stigmatization, the authors of the article did not focus on distinctions based on gender. The aim was also to avoid interpreting the results through the lens of rigid cultural norms and instead to recognize individual experiences. The respondents included both women and men, with a predominance of women. The study involved both structured, standardized interviews and unstructured, free-form interviews characterized by spontaneity, all conducted using a previously prepared questionnaire containing open-ended questions. The objective was to achieve so-called theoretical saturation, where the key factor is not the number of respondents but the depth of the information obtained. The transcription of interviews and the organization of notes were key to the qualitative analysis and interpretation, followed by thematic analysis, the identification of relationships, and the interpretation of underlying meanings. Computer-assisted methods, including tools such as MAXQDA, Dedoose, or NVivo, were not used, as these are typically required for managing large datasets, which was not the case in this study.

The selection of the research group was not accidental. Generation Z will gradually increase its purchasing power in the coming decades [24] and will strongly influence the demand structure in the automotive market. Their attitudes, purchasing preferences, and perceptions of new technologies may significantly determine the pace of electromobility development. This means that the decisions made by young consumers will have a real impact on the scale of electric car sales and the direction of the transformation of the automotive market. Their assessments, choices, and purchasing preferences will dominate the coming decades and will be important for the development or unpopularity of electromobility. The relationship between the attitudes of potential future consumers and the pace of transformation of the transport sector has been noted by researchers, who emphasize the need to create public policies and market strategies that take into account the complexity of social opinions and the expectations of future users of electric vehicles. Taking into account the opinion of consumers may contribute to more effective implementation of electromobility solutions and increase their acceptance among future car buyers. Research hypotheses were not formulated due to the qualitative, rather than quantitative, nature of the conducted research. The use of a quantitative approach was consciously excluded because it does not allow for a deeper understanding of the complex conditions of electric vehicle operations, in particular the decision-making processes, motivations of market participants, operational conditions and the organizational as well as institutional context in which electromobility operates. Therefore, the study was based on a qualitative approach, aimed at describing and explaining phenomena rather than testing them statistically. The adopted research perspective is inductive; therefore, the conclusions were formulated based on the analysis of empirical observations, user experiences and organizational practices, rather than on the verification of previously formulated hypotheses. This approach is particularly justified in the context of electromobility, which remains a dynamically developing area while simultaneously being burdened with numerous technological, infrastructural, economic and social uncertainties. The use of descriptive and explanatory research enabled the identification of both advantages and barriers to the effective operation of electric vehicles, as well as the analysis of ways in which modern management tools and concepts can contribute to limiting or overcoming these problems.

The research part uses primary data, which were collected, analyzed and presented using the case study method. According to the definition, “a case study is an empirical inquiry that investigates a contemporary phenomenon within its real-life context, especially when the boundaries between phenomenon and context are not clearly evident” [25]. It is, alongside biographical, phenomenological and ethnographic research, grounded theory, action research (so-called: scientific consulting), historical method and clinical research, considered one of the basic traditions of qualitative research [26]. According to scientists representing the discipline of management and quality sciences, the case study should be considered one of the main methods of verifying and creating new knowledge in this discipline [27]. This is due to the specific nature of management sciences, which is expressed, among others, by a relatively low level of universalism, the need to take into account unmeasurable factors and the requirement to ensure practical usefulness [28]. The aim of the case study was to capture the practical dimension of using electric vehicles and to identify factors that, from the users’ perspective, may promote the development of electromobility or constitute barriers to its dissemination. The case study therefore allowed for an in-depth analysis of the individual opinions and experiences of Generation Z representatives and for confronting these experiences with assumptions often formulated in public debate regarding the operation of electric vehicles. It also allowed for an assessment of whether, and to what extent, replacing combustion vehicles with electric cars is justified from practical, environmental and utility perspectives. The main results of the analyses allowed for:

(A)

Learning about the views of Generation Z representatives on the use of electric cars and the development of electromobility;

(B)

Obtaining an answer to the question: what are the advantages and barriers hindering the effective operation of electric vehicles, and how can modern management tools and concepts contribute to limiting or overcoming them?

4. Results

The research conducted by the authors of this article allowed them to obtain answers to the research questions formulated in the methodological part. The analysis of the conducted in-depth interviews enabled the identification of the experiences of electric vehicles’ users and their opinions on the practical functioning of electromobility in the Central European region (

Table 1. Functioning of electromobility in the Central European region based on the conducted interviews.

Disadvantages of Electric Vehicles	Advantages of Electric Vehicles
The need for long charging times	Fewer difficulties related to electric vehicle repairs
Insufficiently developed charging infrastructure—a shortage of charging points and dedicated charging stations	Lower servicing costs in case of failure and no need to replace the traction battery
The need to use different operating systems for charging stations, install various mobile applications, register with operators, and learn different procedures	Good battery quality and capacity in modern vehicle models
The need to have adequate digital skills, which may be difficult especially for older people	Possibility of disposal and recycling
Loss of anonymity when using charging infrastructure	No restrictions on access to certain places (e.g., underground garages)
Limited usability of electric vehicles in winter conditions	Reduced air pollution emissions in urban areas
Limited driving range compared to internal combustion engine vehicles	Low noise levels compared to combustion engine vehicles and high driving comfort due to quiet operation
High purchase price and lack of sufficient financial incentives for individual consumers	Increased share of renewable energy sources in electricity production
	Very good acceleration performance
	Simplified powertrain design (fewer moving parts such as gearbox or exhaust system)
	Relatively low ongoing operating costs

). The structure of this part of the study is subordinated to the set of adopted research questions—each of them is presented together with a discussion of the research results and the interpretation of the respondents’ statements, which constitute the direct basis for the formulated conclusions.

RQ1. 

To what extent do electric vehicles perform well in practice, and what users experiences confirm or question their operational efficiency?

The collected data indicate that young adults participating in the study (including two users of electric vehicles and three more people who have users of such cars in their immediate surroundings) most often pointed out difficulties associated with the process of charging electric vehicles. Respondents indicated that charging a vehicle using a standard electrical socket (230 V, 50 Hz) is very slow. In a real-life example, one interviewee pointed out that within approximately fifteen minutes of charging, the range of his vehicle, as declared by the on-board computer, did not increase by even a few kilometers. As the same user pointed out, running an additional high-power device (a washing machine) while the vehicle was charging resulted in an overload of the electrical system. Infrastructure limitations in residential buildings have also been noted. Respondents indicated that even relatively new residential buildings do not typically have sockets designed for charging electric cars, let alone dedicated charging stations. In practice, this means that in apartments located on higher floors, running a power cable to a vehicle parked next to the building is difficult or impossible to implement. Almost all survey participants also emphasized that the process of charging an electric vehicle is more complex than traditional filling with fuel. In addition to significantly longer charging times, the need to use different charging station operating systems may prove problematic. This requires installing various mobile apps, registering with operators’ systems, and familiarizing oneself with individual operating procedures. As one interviewee stated, “it’s not always possible to just drive up and plug in your car. Often, you have to log in to the app first or have a card from a given operator”. According to some respondents, this means having the appropriate digital skills and giving up anonymity when using charging infrastructure.

RQ2. 

Can a decisive shift towards electromobility, combined with a move away from combustion engines, contribute to the reduction in environmental problems?

Most respondents expressed the belief that the development of electromobility can be an important element in efforts to reduce the negative impact of transport on the natural environment. According to respondents, electric vehicles contribute primarily to reducing air pollution emissions in urban areas, where road transport is one of the main sources of harmful circumstances. Respondents also pointed out that electric drive systems are characterized by a significantly lower noise level compared to vehicles equipped with combustion engines, which may have a positive impact on the quality of life of residents of large agglomerations and reduce so-called acoustic pollution: “When I first drove an electric car in the city, I noticed that the engine was almost inaudible. In heavy traffic, this can be important for residents’ comfort”. At the same time, respondents’ statements indicate that the perception of electromobility as a fully ecological solution is not clear. Some respondents emphasized that the actual impact of electric vehicles on the natural environment should be considered in a broader (systemic) context. Attention was primarily focused on the method of generating electricity used to charge vehicles. According to respondents, in countries with a high share of fossil fuels in the energy mix, the environmental benefits of using electric vehicles may be limited. Issues related to the production of traction batteries were also highlighted, as they involve the usage of raw materials such as lithium, cobalt and nickel, as well as energy-intensive technological processes. Respondents also expressed doubts regarding the management of used batteries and the possibility of their effective recycling: “from an ecological point of view, I wonder whether the production and subsequent disposal of batteries does not generate other environmental problems”. Some participants of the study emphasized that although electromobility can contribute to emission reduction at the point of use of the vehicle, at the same time, a full assessment of its impact on the environment requires taking into account the entire life cycle of the vehicle, including the production, operation and disposal of components. The study results therefore indicate that young users recognize the potential environmental benefits of electromobility, but they are also aware of the complexity of the topic. Their opinions are not unequivocally positive. The continued perception of electric vehicles as a pro-ecological solution is largely dependent on the further development of energy technologies, increasing the share of renewable energy sources in electricity production and improving battery production and recycling processes.

RQ3. 

What are the barriers to the development of electromobility in Central Europe, based on the example of one of the countries?

Respondents identified a number of barriers that limit their interest in purchasing an electric vehicle. Among the most frequently mentioned factors were:

−

Limited usability of electric vehicles in winter conditions—respondents pointed out that low temperatures affect battery performance, which may lead to a shortening of the vehicle’s real range and an extension of charging time.

−

Relatively short driving range of vehicles compared to combustion cars—in the opinion of respondents, the limited range of electric vehicles makes it necessary to plan the trip more carefully, especially in the case of longer trips.

−

The need for a long charging time—study participants indicated that, compared to quick fuel re-fuelling, the process of replenishing electricity is much more time-consuming, which may constitute a significant inconvenience in everyday use, especially in situations requiring the quick preparation of the vehicle for further travel or in cases of limited availability of fast-charging infrastructure.

−

The high purchase price of electric vehicles and the costs of charging them with commercial chargers, which are not significantly different from the costs of purchasing traditional fuel. Respondents emphasized that despite the gradual decline in the prices of electric technologies, the cost of purchasing such a vehicle is still higher than that of many internal combustion engine cars with similar operational parameters. We agree with researchers that, in order to reduce individual costs, a well-planned car-sharing system built into a given community and based on electric vehicles using renewable energy generated from photovoltaic panels could be effective. It is worth recalling that two forms of car sharing are currently gaining popularity, namely free-floating car sharing (less popular because it substitutes for traveling by public transport) and car sharing at stations (where one shared vehicle replaces many private cars) [29].

−

Insufficiently developed charging infrastructure—respondents pointed to the limited number of publicly accessible charging points and their uneven distribution, especially outside large cities. They also emphasized the need to search in advance for places where vehicles can be charged, as they are not as easily visible or as widely marked as traditional petrol stations.

−

Lack of sufficient financial incentives for individual consumers. Respondents noted that support mechanisms, such as subsidies for the purchase of electric vehicles, preferential loans or tax breaks, are, in their opinion, insufficient to significantly reduce the financial barrier associated with purchasing this type of vehicle.

In the opinion of respondents, these factors mean that despite growing environmental awareness, electromobility is not yet a fully attractive solution for the average car user. It was pointed out that barriers related to charging time, limited infrastructure availability and the need to plan trips mean that electric vehicles are perceived as a solution suitable only under specific conditions of use, e.g., in large cities or when the vehicle can be charged at home. As a result, the decision to purchase an electric car is made by many potential users based not only on environmental considerations but also on the practical aspects of everyday use.

RQ4. 

What are the main advantages of electromobility development?

Study participants also pointed to a number of potential and actual (based on personal experience) benefits of using electric vehicles. The most frequently mentioned included:

−

Good battery quality and capacity in modern vehicle models—respondents emphasized that the development of traction battery technology in recent years has significantly improved the operational capabilities of electric vehicles, enabling them to achieve increasingly greater ranges on a single charge.

−

Very good acceleration parameters—respondents pointed out that electric cars are instantaneous in terms of torque. They are characterized by immediate acceleration, which translates into a smoother ride, particularly in city traffic.

−

High driving comfort resulting from the quiet operation of the drive—the lack of a traditional combustion engine significantly reduces noise and vibrations while driving, which, according to respondents, has a positive impact on the comfort of using the vehicle.

−

Simplified design of the drive system (lack of many elements typical of combustion engines)—respondents pointed out that electric vehicles have fewer moving parts, such as the gearbox or exhaust system, which may reduce the risk of failure and simplify vehicle maintenance.

−

Relatively low costs of ongoing vehicle servicing—in the opinion of respondents, the operation of electric vehicles involves fewer servicing activities compared to combustion cars, which may translate into lower maintenance costs in the long term.

According to respondents, these features constitute a significant argument for the further development of electromobility. Attention was drawn to the high comfort of using electric vehicles, resulting, among other things, from the quiet operation of the drive and the smoothness of the ride. It was also pointed out that the widespread use of such solutions in the future can contribute to improving the quality of life of city residents and achieving broader goals related to energy transition and environmental protection. However, the significance of these advantages is currently partially limited by infrastructural and economic barriers.

5. Conclusions and Proposed Solutions from the Perspective of Management Sciences

The issues regarding electric cars revealed in the study are largely systemic and organizational in nature, rather than solely technological. This means that overcoming them requires, among other things, management actions—at the level of enterprises, public administration, infrastructure operators and entire electromobility value chains. From the perspective of management sciences, the key here is undertaking a process and network approach, which assumes the coordination of many stakeholders and long-term planning for the development of services accompanying electric vehicles. Systematic sustainable development management will not be the only panacea for the current problem of reduced interest in electromobility in Europe, including Poland, but it may be an important step towards creating stable conditions conducive to its further development and may build increasing social and market acceptance for this type of transport solution.

Sustainability management poses a new challenge for contemporary companies. It is a developing trend in science and practice that arose not from the needs of individual companies or economic sectors, but from the global need to protect the planet. Sustainability management is management that leads to sustainable development and ensures that production and consumption should minimize their negative impact on the environment [30]. Sustainable management is also associated with eco-innovation, i.e., the development of new initiatives in an organization in order to balance, improve and renew the environmental, social and societal quality of a firm’s business processes and the products and services that these processes provide [31]. Arnold Pabian emphasizes that managers at all levels of organizational structures play a special role in transforming existing management into its sustainable equivalent. However, their attitudes and beliefs must be based on values stemming from the following orientation: increasing responsibility for the Earth’s health, acting on behalf of future generations, focusing on the future, balancing economic, ecological, and social goals, favoring sustainability over growth, including production and sales, and minimizing the organization’s negative impact on the environment and people. This researcher defines sustainable management as planning, organizing, leadership, and control leading to the creation, operation, and development of a sustainable organization, thus contributing to balancing intergenerational needs [32]. The authors of this article adopted this definition as the operational one for their research. Management should come down to four classic functions: planning, organizing, motivating and controlling (

Table 2. Understanding of management adopted for the purposes of the research.

Function	Description	Main Activities
Planning	Setting goals and strategies to achieve them	Defining mission, situation analysis (SWOT), setting goals and allocating resources
Organizing	Structuring human and material resources	Dividing tasks and responsibilities, creating procedures and establishing organizational structure
Motivating	Leading and guiding the team	Communication, incentive and reward systems
Controlling	Monitoring and correcting deviations	Performance measurement, comparison with plans, evaluation, and corrective actions

).

Planning addresses four basic operational areas: objectives, resources, results, and activities. It can be strategic (over five years), long-term (from two to five years), medium-term (several months), short-term (up to three months), or ongoing (up to a week). When planning automotive company operations, it is crucial to clearly define goals and determine the best ways to achieve them. This should be accompanied by an in-depth analysis of the environment, i.e., a thorough market and competition analysis. Objectives should be hierarchical, specific, quantified, and time-bound. At this stage of conceptual thinking, it is crucial to ensure contact and exchange of information between all collaborating companies, ensuring a rapid and efficient flow of information between them, as well as developing promotional materials. After preparing plans, the next management phase, called organizing, should be implemented, which should translate into practical, real-world actions.

Organizing requires building the right structure, including a relationship structure, and establishing a hierarchy of organizational units and cells. This is important because structure prevents doubts about who is responsible for what, who should seek help when needed, or who should propose a new idea. Creating a structure involves preparing organizational regulations with a division of tasks, authority, and responsibility. However, there will also be components linked by organizational ties, the most important of which will be functional ties, such as assistance and advice from managers, as well as informational ties related to the efficient flow of information and the obligation to share it. Because organizing is a real-world process, it is necessary to manage not only human resources (employees), but also financial, material (buildings, equipment), and information resources (e.g., customer service standards). At this stage, formal and informal meetings between employees and management should also be held, and training and team-building events should also be organized. This will allow employees to get to know each other, build social bonds and trust, and better assimilate the organizational culture.

Motivation is a process that requires maintaining goal-oriented activity among employees. It involves consciously and purposefully providing employees with incentives and meeting their expectations in a way that benefits both the employer and employees. This will translate into a positive employee attitude towards their assigned tasks. However, this influence must be individualized. It requires recognizing the needs of each employee and their personality, as well as striving to provide optimal working conditions. Among the motivation models described in the literature, the so-called human resources model deserves attention. According to this model, not only external incentives such as special benefits, bonuses, salary increases, recognition certificates, and letters of congratulations are important, but also values stemming from good interpersonal relationships, career needs, and social advancement. Therefore, it is important for management to adhere to the basic principles of motivation widely discussed in the literature, starting with the so-called the principle of self-internalization (clarifying what behaviors are essential to the organization’s goals and culture), as well as the principle of realization related to higher-order values (e.g., a sense of mission and responsibility is often as important as, or even more important than, salary itself). Other principles should also be taken into account, such as simplicity, transparency, and comprehensiveness of motivational factors; the use of positive motivation instead of punishment; the use of short time intervals between employee action and payment; and, finally, compliance with proportionality between remuneration, inputs and outputs.

Monitoring is the final phase. It helps to ensure that the company is achieving its goals and utilizes resources efficiently. It involves detecting discrepancies between established standards and actual performance, identifying where errors have occurred, and identifying what should be avoided in the future.

Such an understanding of management is key to optimizing costs, operational efficiency and range, intelligent route and charging planning, battery energy management (temperature, V2G charging) and supporting drivers with real-time data. It also points to the need to create an automotive community within which all companies directly or indirectly involved in the production of electric cars and practical operation, including those involved in design, network modernization, and distribution, will cooperate systematically.

One of the most important challenges addressed in the study is the limited availability of charging infrastructure and its inadequacy in meeting the real needs of users, especially residents of multi-family buildings. Solutions in this area should be based on infrastructure management on a systemic scale, using strategic planning tools and public–private project management. It is necessary to create local and regional strategies for the development of electromobility in which the development of charging points will be linked to the analysis of building density, traffic intensity, housing ownership structure and the location of service centers. From the point of view of public management, this means integrating transport, housing and energy policies and introducing standards obliging developers to equip new investments with charging infrastructure. It is also essential to expand infrastructure to enable efficient long-distance driving. It is important that all public facilities (e.g., hospitals), as well as shopping malls and smaller retail or service outlets (e.g., gyms, beauty salons, restaurants), provide easy vehicle charging just as is currently in case with mobile phones.

It also emerged that the complexity and heterogeneity of charger management systems are a significant problem. Respondents cited the need to install multiple applications, register in various operator systems, and pointed to the lack of uniform standards, which reduce user comfort and increase the barrier to entry. From the perspective of service management, it would be advisable to implement solutions based on standardization and interoperability of systems—similarly to the case of cashless payments or ticketing systems in public transport. However, this requires coordination among operators, regulators, and technology providers, as well as the application of the concept of customer experience management. Simplifying procedures, enabling the use of a single access platform, or introducing universal direct payments could significantly reduce the perceived inconvenience of using electromobility.

Another area requiring management intervention is the cost of purchasing and operating electric vehicles, which—as indicated—is not always significantly lower than the operating costs of combustion cars. From the perspective of market management and economic policy, designing economic mechanisms that support the adoption of new technologies becomes crucial, including incentive systems, tax breaks, energy tariffs dedicated to electromobility users, and infrastructure-sharing models. Energy companies and fleet operators can play an important role here by developing subscription services, infrastructure leasing or energy-as-a-service models, which can reduce financial barriers for users. At the moment, mainly due to economic uncertainty, high vehicle list prices, an insufficient pool of subsidies inadequate to purchase prices, concerns about the rapid depreciation of vehicle value, and the high costs of public charging and battery replacement, electric cars are not perceived as a more profitable and economically predictable solution than traditional combustion vehicles. Potential users postpone the decision to purchase them or stick to conventional technologies, which are considered to be better understood and less risky in the long term of exploitation.

In turn, the identified difficulties with the availability of free charging points indicate the need for the wider use of operational management tools and data analytics in the planning and coordination of electromobility infrastructure. This problem is not only due to the insufficient number of stations, but also due to their uneven distribution, the lack of real-time information about vacant positions, and limited coordination between operators and users. Fleet management systems and intelligent charging planning platforms could enable the forecasting of energy demand in specific locations and time periods, optimize the deployment of new stations, as well as dynamically manage user traffic by indicating available charging points or recommending times with lower network load. This approach would allow for a shift from a reactive to a proactive infrastructure management model. The inclusion of smart city solutions and the Internet of Things would enable the integration of data from vehicles, charging stations, energy networks, and transport systems, which would consequently promote more efficient use of existing resources. This would not only reduce queues and shorten waiting times for charging, but also better adapt the offer to actual mobility patterns of users, such as daily commutes, intercity trips or seasonal fluctuations in traffic.

From the perspective of organizational management, it is also important to shape the attitudes and preferences of end-users. The authors agree that creative and unconventional solutions should be sought to encourage communities to use electric cars. Psychologists believe that consumers can become attached to electric vehicles, just as they can to cars with combustion engines, provided that these vehicles allow them to express their identity, lifestyle, or social status [33]. However, this means the need to intensify promotional and educational activities—both in enterprises and at the social level. Training programs for company fleet employees, information campaigns, and the inclusion of electromobility in corporate social responsibility strategies can accelerate the process of adapting new technologies. It is very important to properly recruit employees in order to create human resources that are enthusiastic about new technologies and internally convinced of the need to protect the planet and engage in ecological activities. These must be professionals who demonstrate not only professional competence but also social competence. Not only their professional activity but also their daily commitment to pro-ecological and pro-social practices will serve as a good example to others who may not be fully convinced of pro-environmental activities. It is worth commissioning training in sustainable activities not only for institutional employees, but also engaging other potential and current drivers. Research has shown that potential customers for electric cars have some knowledge about the socially and ecologically negative consequences of motorization based on combustion engines and the advantages of electromobility, but it cannot be optimistically assumed that this knowledge is complete. To raise awareness, primarily integrated marketing communications tools (promotion mix) should be utilized, including advertising, sales promotion, and public relations. Advertising will inform the public that electric cars exist and offer significant advantages, such as lower operating costs, reduced emissions, and improved driving comfort. It should also address common misconceptions, including concerns about battery life, charging infrastructure, and vehicle range. Sales promotions can provide tangible incentives, such as financial subsidies, discounts, leasing options, or free charging packages, which strongly encourage potential users to consider purchasing electric vehicles. Public relations, in turn, can build trust and create a positive image of electromobility and related businesses by emphasizing environmental benefits, technological innovation, and alignment with sustainable development goals.

At the same time, integrated marketing communications should be consistent in terms of style and subject matter, lettering, graphics, and other factors that influence message perception. This consistency strengthens brand recognition and enhances message credibility across different communication channels. Moreover, the use of digital tools—such as social media, content marketing, and influencer partnerships—can significantly increase reach and engagement, particularly among younger and more environmentally conscious audiences.

Finally, it is worth adding that the conclusions presented in this article apply not only to Poland but can be transferred to other European countries. This is because European legislation on electric vehicles and electromobility applies to all EU member states (including the ban on the sale of new combustion cars from 2035 and regulations related to infrastructure). The ban introduced from 2035 means that all new passenger cars and vans registered in the EU after 2035 must be zero-emission (mainly electric), while the AFIR regulation requires member states to build charging stations with a specified capacity every 60 km along major routes (Trans-European Transport Network—TEN-T).

6. Discussion

We agree with previous researchers’ findings that acceptability, affordability, availability, and awareness are the main factors determining the success of electromobility [34]. In light of the previously provided research and literature review, it should be noted that the noticeable current stagnation in the field of electromobility does not mean that there is no chance for its development—as the results indicate, electric cars have undeniable advantages. People have sufficient interest and financial resources to purchase them. According to the latest study conducted by ARC “Rynek i Opinia”, the level of economic optimism in Poland increased to 29% in 2025, compared to 18% in the previous year, which translates into consumers’ purchasing plans, particularly in the automotive sector. As many as 42% of surveyed Poles declare that they plan to buy a car in the next 12 months. The study also reveals a new trend emerging. Interestingly, more and more Poles are considering purchasing cars from Chinese manufacturers. It turns out that 36% of potential new car buyers are interested in new cars from Chinese brands, while 23% plan to buy used Chinese car [35]. However, real progress in the development of electromobility will be only possible after effective reduction in the barriers identified in the study and discussed in this article. Importantly, our research shows that representatives of Generation Z do not have any concerns or practical experience regarding some of the issues previously identified in the literature. In particular, respondents did not indicate difficulties related to repairing electric vehicles, high servicing costs in the event of breakdowns, or the need to replace traction batteries. Respondents also did not report any restrictions on electric vehicles entering certain places, such as underground parking garages.

We agree with the researchers that to encourage drivers to purchase electric cars, financial incentives should be introduced, environmental awareness should be raised, and appropriate marketing policies should be implemented [36]. We discuss how to implement this policy in this article. From the perspective of management and quality sciences, the first step in this direction should be to move away from perceiving electromobility solely as a technological change involving the replacement of combustion engine vehicles with electric vehicles. In reality, this process should be treated as part of a broader transformation of the economic, infrastructural and social system. This requires the development of coherent development strategies, stable and predictable legal regulations, and the consistent implementation of long-term public policies supporting the development of low-emission transport. The coordination of activities undertaken in the area of charging infrastructure, organization of transport systems, economic mechanisms stimulating demand, and education of users in the field of new mobility technologies is also of key importance. Only a comprehensive combination of infrastructural, organizational, economic, and educational activities can lead to a situation in which electric cars become widely available and easier, as well as more predictable to use. Their presence in everyday life will no longer be perceived as an experimental solution, but rather as a natural and integral element of a modern, sustainable transport system. Future research directions should therefore focus not only on increasing the operational efficiency of electric vehicles, but also on the broader systemic integration of electromobility within energy and transport ecosystems. In particular, further studies should address the optimization of energy consumption and charging processes, the development of smart grid solutions, and the integration of electric vehicles with renewable energy sources. Another important research area involves the analysis of user behavior, acceptance, and decision-making processes related to electromobility adoption, especially in different socio-economic contexts.