UK has biggest new zero emission bus market in Europe

New electric or hydrogen bus, coach and minibus accounted for 45.1 per cent of new single and double decker bus registrations in 2023, with 1,159 ZEV buses of all types entering service last year, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. This makes the the UK Europe’s biggest ZEV bus market by volume.

Uptake has been supported by Zero Emission Bus Regional Area (ZEBRA) funding, originally awarded in 2022, with finance eventually trickling through during last year. There have been 58 expressions of interest filed for the second round of funding at the end of 2023.

Decarbonising bus fleets can be less complex than some other use cases given their depot-based, circular routes. Conversely, the minibus market, which often provides transport for schools and the health and social care sector, is struggling to invest in zero emission options, due in part to licensing restrictions.

Most minibuses are based on heavy vans, but while van drivers have a licence derogation allowing them to drive zero emission vehicles weighing up to 4.25 tonnes, minibus drivers will not be able to do so until 2025. Bringing this date forward would unleash demand, with many minibus fleets presently delaying their zero emission vehicle investment until their existing drivers are permitted to drive them. Greater ZEV uptake would reduce the adverse impact of all these vehicle types on the environment and help address poor air quality which can often affect the most vulnerable in our society most severely.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “Britain’s bus sector is recovering strongly, powered by rising passenger numbers and government funding that is finally delivering new vehicles to routes up and down the country. Zero emission buses are on the verge of becoming the mainstay of what is now Europe’s biggest ZEV but market but we need the next round of funding – fast – to put even more on the road. Speeding up licence derogations could unleash demand in the minibus market, helping provide zero emission mass mobility for all with the air quality, carbon emission and wider economic benefits that come with this transition.”

Overall, Britain’s new bus, coach and minibus market had 4,932 new units registered in 2023 - a 44.6 per cent increase on 2022.