Electric bus registrations in Europe surge by 41% in H1 2025

The global transition to electric mobility in public transport is no longer a forecast but an accelerating reality. While China pioneered the widespread integration of electric buses into its urban fleets, the shift is now gaining considerable ground across other regions, particularly in Europe. This trend underscores the growing consensus around the need for cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable public transport systems.

Surging European Registrations Reflect Market Maturity

In the first half of 2025, battery-electric bus registrations in Europe reached a total of 5,315 units. This marks a significant 41% increase compared to the same period in 2024, which saw 3,751 registrations. The consistent year-on-year growth over the last three years highlights both policy alignment and operator confidence in zero-emission mobility. Europe’s electric bus ecosystem is no longer in its infancy; it is rapidly approaching maturity.

A Solid Year in 2024 Sets the Stage

The year 2024 served as a pivotal moment for Europe’s e-bus market. Total registrations of electric city buses weighing over 8 tons reached 7,779 units across the continent, including the UK, a 22% increase over 2023. This expansion reflects the operational scaling of clean fleets, bolstered by improving battery technology, supportive regulations, and maturing infrastructure. Manufacturers like Daimler Buses and Iveco Bus secured the top positions in the EU27 market, though their lead was challenged by Yutong and Wrightbus in the UK, who benefited from strong market performance in Great Britain.

A Rapid Shift Toward Zero-Emission Fleets

Looking back, the European e-bus market experienced a remarkable 53% jump in registrations in 2023. A total of 6,354 units were delivered across EU27, Norway, Iceland, and Switzerland. Perhaps more striking is the shift in fleet composition, over 42% of newly registered city buses in that year were zero-emission, compared to just 15% in 2020. This tripling of market share within three years points to a decisive and enduring shift in procurement priorities for transit agencies.

Europe Poised for Large-Scale Zero-Emission Deployment

Projections for the coming decade are ambitious, yet increasingly feasible. According to a Market Readiness Analysis released by the European Commission in early 2025, Europe could have as many as 108,000 zero-emission buses and coaches operating on its roads by 2030. This estimate underscores the scale of transformation underway and hints at the future demand for supporting infrastructure such as high-capacity chargers, depot upgrades, and hydrogen refuelling stations.

Yutong’s Meteoric Rise in European Market Share

Among the most noteworthy developments in 2024 was the dramatic ascent of Chinese manufacturer Yutong. With 1,092 electric buses registered across Europe, a 99.8% increase from 2023, Yutong’s market share effectively doubled, rising from 7.6% to 14%. This performance reflects the brand’s growing appeal across diverse European markets and its competitive edge in both cost and reliability.

Daimler and Wrightbus Emerge as Front-Runners

Not to be outdone, Daimler Buses recorded equally impressive growth in 2024. The company registered 918 electric buses, a 105.8% jump from its 2023 total of 446. As a result, Daimler’s market share rose to 11.8%, positioning the brand firmly among Europe’s top electric bus suppliers. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland’s Wrightbus has achieved extraordinary momentum over the past three years. In 2024 alone, the company registered 861 electric buses, an 83.6% increase over the previous year, building on a fourfold expansion in 2023. Wrightbus is quickly becoming a key force in the zero-emission transit space.