EIB and Ayvens Launch EUR 700 Million Initiative to Electrify 19,000 Commercial Vehicles in Europe

EIB and Ayvens Launch EUR 700 Million Initiative to Electrify 19,000 Commercial Vehicles in Europe

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank (EIB) has issued its first green loan, signing a EUR 700 million financing agreement with sustainable mobility leader Ayvens in December 2024. The deal, which splits into a EUR 350 million EIB credit and an equal Ayvens co-investment, will fund the rollout of 19,000 electric light commercial vehicles (eLCVs) over the next three years across key European markets, including Germany, France, Italy, and the Netherlands. This initiative, part of an EIB-backed climate action project, is designed to accelerate fleet electrification and support companies in transitioning to low-carbon operations amid rising low-emission zones and associated infrastructure challenges.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUXEMBOURG, 12-Mar-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — The European Investment Bank (EIB) has issued its first green loan to support the electrification of light commercial vehicle fleets across Europe. This new financing agreement, signed in December 2024 with sustainable mobility leader Ayvens, represents a combined funding package of EUR 700 million. The package comprises a EUR 350 million credit envelope provided by the EIB under favourable conditions, matched by an equivalent EUR 350 million co-investment from Ayvens. The initiative forms part of an ambitious EIB-backed climate action project designed to accelerate the shift to electric mobility for commercial fleets.

Under the terms of the agreement, Ayvens will deploy the financing to expand its fleet of electric light commercial vehicles (eLCVs) with a target rollout of 19,000 vehicles over the next three years. The project will primarily focus on key European markets, including Germany, France, Italy, and the Netherlands, where increasing low-emission zones (LEZs) are driving the demand for cleaner transportation alternatives. LEZs, which are rapidly proliferating across urban areas as a measure to improve air quality, are instrumental in spurring the transition of conventional fleets to electric ones, even as challenges such as vehicle availability, affordability, charging infrastructure, and grid capacity remain.

Industry stakeholders see this financial collaboration as a critical enabler for companies navigating the complexities of the electric transition. Patrick Sommelet, Group Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Ayvens, emphasized that the co-investment diversifies the company’s funding sources and plays a pivotal role in offering clients access to a broader range of eLCVs at competitive prices. He noted that Ayvens is committed to supporting its customers through tailored consultancy and expert fleet advice to ensure that the electrification journey is both smooth and sustainable.

EIB Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle highlighted the innovative nature of the agreement, stating that it reinforces the EIB’s leading role in developing financial solutions to decarbonize Europe’s vehicle fleets. Fayolle underlined the significance of the partnership in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) – some of Ayvens’ most crucial customers – as they transition to low-carbon operations. This financing solution is poised to not only expand the supply of electric vehicles but also drive substantial progress towards a low-carbon economy across the continent.

Background information

EIB

The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Founded on projects promoting eight key priorities, it finances investments that contribute to EU policy objectives, bolstering climate action, environmental protection, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, the capital markets union, and a stronger Europe in a more peaceful and prosperous world.

The EIB Group, which includes the (European Investment Fund (EIF), signed over 900 projects worth close to €89 billion in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security. The EIB Group signed more than 100 operations totalling €12.67 billion in France in 2024, helping to unlock around €62 billion of investment in the real economy.

All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Around 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects contributing directly to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and promotes a healthier environment. Supporting the integration of markets and mobilising investments, the funds unleashed by the EIB Group in 2024 attracted investment worth over €100 billion for energy security and unlocked €110 billion in support of startups and pioneering firms in Europe. Around half of the EIB’s financing within the European Union goes to cohesion regions, where per capita income is lower than the EU average.

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In 2024, the Bank invested €3.9 billion in France under REPowerEU, an initiative to reduce Europe’s dependence on fossil fuels and accelerate the green transition.

Ayvens

Ayvens is a leading global sustainable mobility player committed to making life flow better. We’ve been improving mobility for decades, providing full-service leasing, flexible subscription services, fleet management and multi-mobility solutions to large international corporates, SMEs, professionals, and private individuals. With more than 14,500 employees across 42 countries, 3.3 million vehicles and the world’s largest multi-brand EV fleet, we are in a unique position to lead the way to net zero and spearhead the digital transformation of the mobility sector. The company is listed on Compartment A of Euronext Paris (ISIN: FR0013258662; Ticker: AYV). Societe Generale Group is Ayvens majority shareholder.

Find out more at ayvens.com

Media Contact:

Christophe Alix
c.alix@eib.org
+352 4379 – 84303

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SOURCE: European Investment Bank