The European Investment Bank (EIB) has approved the programme of the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management aimed at supporting the purchase of zero-emission heavy vehicles in Poland.
A total of two billion zlotys will be allocated for grants, which is one billion more than originally planned.
This is a long-awaited decision that will have a real impact on the pace of development in the transport sector, contributing to increased competition among electric heavy vehicles.
The approval of the “Support for the Purchase or Leasing of Zero-Emission Vehicles in Categories N2 and N3” programme is an important step in the transformation of the heavy transport sector, which the TSL industry – accounting for 6-7% of Poland’s GDP – has been waiting for.
Thanks to this programme, transport companies will be able to modernise their fleets, which will enhance their competitiveness in the European market.
“The rules of the programme approved by the EIB remain unchanged. The amount of subsidies still depends on the size of the company and the type of vehicle receiving support,” explains Piotr Ziółkowski, Coordinator of the PSNM Committee for Logistics and Transport.
In the case of purchases, funding can amount to a maximum of: 30% of eligible costs for large enterprises, 50% for medium-sized enterprises, and 60% for small enterprises.
“However, the total amount of support cannot exceed 400,000 zlotys for N2 category vehicles or 750,000 zlotys for N3 category vehicles. In the case of leasing, the grant cannot exceed the amount of the initial leasing payment,” he adds.
In addition to support for purchasing electric heavy vehicles, two other key support programmes, which have already received approval from the European Investment Bank, should soon be launched.
These include the construction and expansion of power supply networks for publicly accessible high-power charging stations and the development of public charging stations for heavy transport.
The total budget for these initiatives amounts to six billion zlotys, and beneficiaries will include charging station operators.
“The programme for the construction and expansion of publicly accessible charging stations for heavy transport received a positive recommendation from the European Investment Bank back in March 2024,” states Maciej Mazur, Managing Director of PSNM.
He continues: “Nevertheless, we forecast that its launch will not occur until the first half of 2025. These delays may pose a challenge for the industry, but we hope that intensified efforts in the coming months will allow for their swift implementation.”
According to the project assumptions, at least 80% of the funds from the two billion zloty budget will be allocated to grants for chargers located along the TEN-T network, with the remaining 20% for charging stations in logistics centres and intermodal terminals.
“The programme is set to be implemented until 2029, and financing will be awarded through competitions, where criteria such as funding efficiency, completion time, and tangible efficiency will be taken into account,” says Mazur.
The European Investment Bank also approved the programme “Construction/Expansion of Power Supply Networks for Publicly Accessible High-Power Charging Stations,” aimed at network operators.
Its goal is to develop the energy infrastructure supporting the creation of public charging stations located along major TEN-T routes, in logistics centres, operational bases, and intermodal terminals. The programme budget is also two billion zlotys.
“Poland, despite its leading position in heavy transport, has not yet begun the transformation of its heavy fleet to zero-emission vehicles at an adequate pace, which could, in extreme cases, lead to transport exclusion in the coming years. Currently, there are only about 100 electric heavy vehicles (eHDVs) on Polish roads,” indicates Piotr Ziółkowski.
“The implementation of the long-awaited support programmes will be a significant step towards maintaining the status quo in the sector. These initiatives, due to their comprehensive nature, provide hope for rapid market development and increased interest in electrification among transport companies in Poland,” he adds.
The TSL sector in Poland is responsible for generating 6-7% of GDP, encompassing 125,000 companies and employing around 750,000 people.
Considering the groundbreaking changes occurring in this area within the European Union, the development of electromobility is an essential factor for protecting the competitiveness and innovation of the Polish market.
This is dictated by both the strategic goals of the EU, subsequent proposals for tightening emissions standards for heavy vehicles, and many companies’ efforts to decarbonise supply chains, which will also encompass the transport stage of goods.
Therefore, it is necessary to support the development of the Polish TSL sector in the drive transformation and strive to strengthen Poland’s position in heavy transport on the European stage.
