Poland-based MMI raises €7.7M to develop electric and hydrogen buses

Polish bus manufacturer MMI, a producer of small and medium-sized buses, has secured €7.7M from the Vinci SA fund to develop electric buses in three variants including low-entry, low-floor, and normal-floor.

Vinci SA, owned by Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego, funds Polish businesses to help keep new technologies and patents in Poland and promote them worldwide. It manages three funds, HiTech ASI for tech companies, Da Gama ASI for assisting Polish businesses to expand abroad, and IQ ASI for early-stage research projects.

City buses to be zero-emission by 2030

Public transport, particularly buses, plays a crucial role in daily life, offering extensive connectivity. However, diesel buses substantially contribute to environmental pollution, especially in urban areas, leading to poor air quality and smog. 

According to data from the European Commission, heavy-duty vehicles, including city buses, are responsible for over 6 per cent of total greenhouse gas emissions in the EU and more than 25 per cent of CO2 emissions in road transport. 

To address this, the European Commission set a new target for the EU in February 2024 to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by 90 per cent by 2040, as part of the European Green Deal. A key proposal mandates that all new city buses be zero-emission by 2030.

According to a statement from MMI, despite the growing presence of electric and hybrid city buses, their use is still mostly limited to major routes in large cities. Challenges persist in servicing less crowded night routes, city centres, and transportation in smaller or rural areas, particularly in mountainous regions.

The Polish bus manufacturer MMI, a family-owned company with over 70 employees, is addressing these challenges by transitioning to the production of zero-emission vehicles.

Capital utilisation

The funds will enhance MMI’s zero-emission drive technology, chassis, and body construction, strengthening its market position in Poland and Western Europe. 

MMI also plans to develop a hydrogen fuel cell-powered electric minibus and build a modern production hall, aiming to double its vehicle production capacity.

Stanisław Zdrojewski, CEO of MMI, says, “Our goal is to create buses with the lowest possible curb weight to maximise their range. We are developing a new type of body structure using composite technology, specifically a skeletal-laminate construction, which will significantly reduce the weight compared to the traditional steel-aluminum frame.”

“Additionally, we plan to develop a drivetrain system utilising synchronous motors integrated into the wheel hubs of the drive axle. This will simplify the power transmission system, increasing its efficiency and reliability.”

According to Zdrojewski, MMI’s future plans involve developing a hydrogen fuel cell-powered bus and building a modern production hall, which will allow them to double their current production volume.

Recent growth and development

MMI, which experienced a threefold improvement in financial performance last year, exceeding 70 million PLN in revenue, plans to offer a full range of minibuses within three years. 

This development will help MMI align with European market needs, strengthen its position in Poland, and expand operations in Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, and Scandinavia.

Piotr Woliński, CEO of Vinci SA, says, “The company’s development schedule for urban, intercity, and school buses aligns well with market expectations, particularly regarding EU regulations on zero-emission urban transport.”

“MMI’s electric minibuses will be among the few of their kind produced in Europe and one of only two when it comes to minibuses powered by hydrogen fuel cells. The body design project, developed by the company’s R&D team in collaboration with external consultants, represents a European-scale innovation, positioning the company to compete for a strong position in the international market.”

Woliński further adds, “Our investment in the MMI project aligns with the mission and objectives entrusted to Vinci by Bank BGK, which include developing technologies that support sustainable development and technological transformation in our region.”