Poland is poised to transform its transportation sector with a groundbreaking €1.4 billion investment approved by the European Investment Bank (EIB). This initiative focuses on developing the electric heavy-duty vehicle (eHDV) sector and high-powered charging infrastructure, aiming to modernize the logistics industry, which contributes 6-7% to the country’s GDP.

Key Funding Initiatives

The approved funding includes:

• €465 Million for eHDV Subsidies: This allocation supports the purchase or lease of zero-emission vehicles in the N2 and N3 categories. The program offers subsidies based on company size:

  • Large companies: Up to 30% of eligible costs.

  • Medium-sized companies: Up to 50% of eligible costs.

  • Small companies: Up to 60% of eligible costs.

  For leased vehicles, subsidies cover the initial leasing fee, ensuring accessible financing options for transport companies.

• €465 Million for Charging Infrastructure Development: This program supports public charging stations, with 80% of the budget allocated to stations along the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) and 20% dedicated to logistics hubs and intermodal terminals.

• €465 Million for Power Grid Expansion: Targeting distribution network operators, this initiative focuses on constructing and upgrading power grids to support high-power charging stations, ensuring robust infrastructure for the eHDV sector.

Strategic Goals

The investment aims to:

• Accelerate Poland’s transition to zero-emission heavy vehicles.

• Strengthen the country’s position as a leader in sustainable transport within the EU.

• Boost innovation and competitiveness in Poland’s automotive and logistics sectors.

Program Timeline and Implementation

• eHDV Subsidies: The rules remain consistent with initial proposals, providing clarity for transport companies planning fleet upgrades. Piotr Ziółkowski, PSNM Committee Coordinator, emphasized this stability as a key factor in encouraging participation.

• Charging Infrastructure Development: While the program received EIB’s recommendation in early 2024, its implementation is expected to begin in 2025 and continue through 2029. Subsidy effectiveness, implementation speed, and material efficiency will guide funding allocation.

• Power Grid Expansion: This initiative ensures the charging infrastructure can meet growing electricity demands, supporting seamless eHDV adoption across Poland.

Economic and Environmental Impact

Despite being a European leader in heavy transport, Poland’s adoption of eHDVs has lagged behind countries like Germany, the Netherlands, France, and Sweden. Currently, Poland has only about 100 electric heavy trucks on its roads. This investment aims to bridge the gap and foster rapid electrification of the sector.

• Job Creation: Analysts project the initiative could create up to 10,000 new jobs by 2030, spanning vehicle manufacturing, charging station installation and maintenance, electrical engineering, and software development.

• Stimulating Innovation: Local companies are expected to ramp up R&D efforts, potentially leading to new patents and positioning Poland as a hub for eHDV technology within the EU.

• Renewable Energy Growth: Increased electricity demand from eHDVs may drive investments in renewable energy, further supporting Poland’s green transition.

Comparative Insights

Poland’s eHDV adoption rate lags behind EU frontrunners:

• Germany and the Netherlands: Hundreds of eHDVs already in operation.

• France and Sweden: Ambitious targets for eHDV adoption by 2030.

Poland’s strategic investment program is designed to close this gap, positioning the country as a key player in sustainable heavy transport.

Sector-Wide Implications

The transportation and logistics sector is critical to Poland’s economy, comprising 125,000 companies and employing approximately 750,000 people. Decarbonizing supply chains is essential for maintaining competitiveness, especially as the EU tightens emission standards for heavy vehicles.

Support for eHDVs will not only modernize fleets but also help Polish transport companies align with EU regulations, strengthening their market position. The ripple effects include enhanced innovation, job creation, and a boost to Poland’s green economy.

Future Outlook

This €1.4 billion investment represents a pivotal step in transforming Poland’s transportation landscape. As these programs roll out over the coming years, they are expected to:

• Drive eHDV adoption and infrastructure development.

• Create new economic opportunities across multiple sectors.

• Cement Poland’s role as a leader in sustainable transportation within Europe