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UK leads the way for zero-emissions public transport
According to data from The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the UK has the largest new zero-emission bus market in Europe.
Britain's bus, coach and minibus market is growing with almost 5,000 new units registered in 2023.
New electric or hydrogen bus, coach and minibus accounted for 45 per cent of new single and double decker bus registrations in 2023, with 1,159 ZEV (zero-emission vehicle) buses of all types entering service last year.
This makes the the UK Europe’s biggest zero emissions bus market by volume.
Decarbonising bus fleets can be less complex than some other use cases given their depot-based, circular routes. Uptake has been supported by Zero Emission Bus Regional Area funding, originally awarded in 2022, with finance eventually trickling through during last year.
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.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said that Britain’s bus sector is recovering strongly and is "powered by rising passenger numbers and government funding that is finally delivering new vehicles to routes up and down the country."
He added: "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.”
Uptake has been supported by Zero Emission Bus Regional Area (ZEBRA) funding, originally awarded in 2022, with finance eventually trickling through during last year.
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