As Europe embarks on a journey toward greener technologies and aims to reduce carbon emissions, transportation companies are at the forefront of this movement by developing electric vehicles, improving public transit, and adopting smart logistics solutions. The growth of electric vehicle manufacturers and charging infrastructure providers is essential for achieving the European Union's ambitious climate targets, which include having at least 30 million zero-emission vehicles on the roads by 2030. This goal necessitates significant investment in both technology and infrastructure.
In addition, the mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) model is transforming urban transportation by offering flexible and integrated solutions that meet consumer demands while alleviating congestion and lowering emissions. Companies focusing on drone logistics and advanced air mobility are also poised to revolutionize last-mile delivery and urban air transport, showcasing the innovative drive within Europe’s tech ecosystem.
Here are ten companies that are driving technological advancement and promoting sustainability across Europe.
Automotive Cells Company (France)
ACC is a forward-thinking company focused on advancing the modern energy industry, particularly in electric vehicle (EV) battery technology.
With an R&D Expertise Center in Bruges (Bordeaux) and a cutting-edge Pilot Plant in Nersac, France, ACC began production at its first Gigafactory in Billy-Berclau Douvrin, Hauts-de-France in late 2023.
As production ramps up through 2024, the company is refining its strategy to incorporate cost-effective cell chemistries that minimize cobalt and nickel use, aiming to make EVs more affordable. Committed to global growth, ACC is building a network of R&D associates, industrial partners, and suppliers, and invites individuals passionate about cleaner transport to join its mission to accelerate sustainable mobility.
In February, the company secured €4.4 billion in debt raising, which will be used to construct three gigafactories for lithium-ion battery cell production in France, Germany, and Italy, as well as, for R&D.
Wayve (UK)
Wayve is a leading developer of embodied intelligence for autonomous vehicles, pioneering the next-generation AV2.0 technology that enables fleet operators to scale autonomous driving.
Founded in 2017, Wayve consists of a diverse team of machine learning and robotics experts and was the first to deploy AVs on public roads using end-to-end deep learning.
Driven by a vision for a smarter, safer, and more sustainable world, Wayve seeks passionate individuals to help tackle some of the world’s most critical challenges.
Earlier this year, the company closed a $1.05 billion Series C investment round led by SoftBank Group, with contributions from new investor NVIDIA and existing investor Microsoft.
After a few months, the company has announced a partnership with Uber which will see their software integrated into Uber's taxi network. Uber has also agreed to make a strategic investment in Wayve as an extension of the company’s previously announced Series C fundraising round.
Polestar (Sweden)
Polestar is a global manufacturer of premium electric performance vehicles.
The company plans to offer a lineup of five performance EVs by 2026, with the ambitious goal of producing a climate-neutral car by 2030.
Polestar’s current models include the Polestar 1, a hybrid GT with 609 HP and an electric range of 124 km, and the Polestar 2, an electric fastback launched in 2019. The Polestar 3, an electric SUV, debuted in 2022, while the Polestar 4, an SUV coupé, is being launched through 2024. Upcoming models include the Polestar 5, a four-door GT, and the Polestar 6, an electric roadster.
In the beginning of the year, the company secured $950 million as a three-year loan facility. The company intends to use the raised funds to finance its next development stage, which covers its financing requirements.
Volvo Car Corporation (Sweden)
Volvo Cars is a Swedish luxury automobile manufacturer, renowned for its commitment to safety, innovation, and sustainability.
Founded in 1927, the company produces a range of premium vehicles, including SUVs, sedans, and electric cars.
Volvo Cars is a leader in automotive safety technology and is transitioning towards electrification, with the goal of becoming a fully electric car company by 2030. Known for its Scandinavian design and focus on sustainability, Volvo Cars continues to push boundaries in creating safer and more eco-friendly vehicles worldwide.
In January, the company entered into a €420 million financing agreement with the European Investment Bank (EIB) with the aim of supporting Volvo’s commitment to becoming fully electric and carbon neutral.
Zunder (Spain)
Zunder is a leading Spanish electric vehicle (EV) charging company.
It specializes in ultra-fast charging infrastructure. Zunder operates over 150 charging points, with ambitious plans to scale up to 4,000 by 2025.
The company is recognized for its user-friendly service and premium charging locations, selected through a proprietary algorithm. With significant backing from well-known investors, Zunder aims to support the decarbonization of mobility in Southern Europe by making EV charging more accessible and efficient
The company has secured a €225 million loan from Spanish bank Santander, which will help finance plans to install more than 3,000 new charging points in European countries such as France, Portugal and Italy.
Bolt (Estonia)
Bolt is a rapidly growing European mobility company offering a variety of services, including ride-hailing, scooter and bike rentals, car-sharing, and food and grocery delivery.
Originally launched in Estonia in 2013 as "Taxify," Bolt now serves over 100 million customers globally across more than 45 countries. Its mission is to make urban transportation more affordable, accessible, and sustainable by providing eco-friendly and convenient solutions.
The company is committed to innovation in the mobility space, including exploring self-driving car technologies. Bolt's core focus is on reducing congestion and emissions in cities while offering diverse transportation options.
In May, the company has closed a debut €220 million syndicated revolving credit facility (RCF).
HysetCo (France)
HYSETCO is an innovative start-up specializing in hydrogen mobility, helping customers transition to zero-emission transportation.
In just three years, the company has established the first hydrogen distribution network in France and offers integrated hydrogen vehicle rental services. With rapid growth, HYSETCO now distributes over 23 tons of hydrogen per month and manages a fleet of more than 550 hydrogen-powered vehicles, positioning itself as a leader in sustainable mobility solutions.
This year, clean hydrogen investor Hy24 has partnered with HysetCo. Together, they have raised nearly €200 million in funding to accelerate the shift towards more sustainable transportation options.
Lilium (Germany)
Lilium is a German aviation company specializing in developing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, aiming to revolutionize regional air mobility.
The company’s innovative technology, which includes ducted electric vectored thrust (DEVT), allows for quiet, vertical take-offs and landings.
Lilium is working toward creating a global network of vertiports to support its air taxi services, collaborating with industry leaders to bring this vision to life.
This year, the company has announced the successful pricing of a $114 million financing round, with significant participation from existing shareholders and company insiders. This funding will help accelerate progress towards the first manned flight of the Lilium Jet, which is anticipated to take place in late 2024.
Skyports (UK)
Skyports is a leading provider of infrastructure for the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industry.
The company specializes in developing and operating landing infrastructure for electric air taxis, alongside utilizing drones for various business applications.
Skyports play a vital role in the Urban Air Mobility ecosystem by designing, constructing, owning, and operating vertiports that facilitate eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) operations in urban environments worldwide. Additionally, Skyports Drone Services leverages drone technology to enhance logistics, data collection, and operational efficiency across sectors such as rural deliveries, surveying, surveillance, and maritime services.
The company has secured over €103 million to build vertiports and accelerate its drone business.
Project 3 Mobility (Croatia)
Project 3 Mobility (P3) is a Croatian company focused on developing autonomous electric robotaxis and the necessary specialized infrastructure and mobility services to support them.
The company is co-founded and chaired by Mate Rimac, the founder and CEO of Rimac Automobili and Bugatti Rimac. In 2024, P3 successfully raised a total of €100 million through its Series A investment round, attracting a diverse group of investors including Kia, TASARU Mobility Investments, and the European Commission, which, in 2023, approved a €179.5 million grant for the company.
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