Project summary
Europe is working towards cleaner transport, and the shift to electric trucks is a key element in this. Much of the goods we use every day are in fact transported by heavy-duty trucks on roads all over Europe. Electric trucks themselves are not the sole key to realising this transition; another critical factor is that these trucks need access to reliable, high-capacity charging infrastructure. In other words: how can we ensure that electric trucks can recharge everywhere across Europe? This is where Milence comes in.
Milence, a joint venture between Daimler Truck, TRATON GROUP (VW, Scania, MAN) and Volvo Group, focuses exclusively on building charging infrastructure for heavy-duty transport. Currently, they operate 37 charging hubs in 9 European countries. An additional 15 hubs are under development. The goal? 90 hubs operational by the end of 2028.
Despite clear market interest to switch from diesel to EV trucking, early-stage charging infrastructure projects like Milence’s often face high capital costs, regulatory complexity, and limited access to financing at the required scale. Also, truck fleet owners prefer to postpone their EV-fleet investments until the charging network is available. That’s why commercial investors often hesitate to back these projects.
Invest International’s Structured Finance team helped bridge the financing gap with €25 million long-term funding, stepping in where commercial banks weren’t able to support projects of this scale and complexity. Enabling Milence to build new charging hubs along key freight corridors, expand existing sites, and roll out high-performance Megawatt Charging Systems (MCS), which are essential for long-haul electric trucking.
The €25 million funding is part of a €120 million loan package, in collaboration with Invest‑NL and backed by an EU InvestEU guarantee. A combination of public and private capital, and a great example of how Invest International contributes to Europe’s climate ambitions, supports the Dutch economy and strengthens resilience.
Read more on fuelling EV Truck charging expansion with Milence
Our impact
Combatting climate change and greening transport
Diesel trucks represent ~25% of total road transport CO2 emissions. EV-trucks provide a zero-emission alternative.
Strengthening energy independence and resilience
Accelerating the transition to electric transport reduces reliance on imported fossil fuels and supports a more secure, future-proof European energy system.
Enhance competitiveness of the Dutch economy
By supporting a frontrunner like Milence, Invest International helps position the Netherlands as a leader in zero-emission mobility, strengthening innovation, infrastructure and long-term economic resilience.
Boosting EV-truck adoption shifting to EV trucking
A growing, reliable charging network lowers barriers for fleet operators, accelerating the shift to electric heavy-duty transport.
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