Wiktor Wise
The UK has been leading the way in the deployment of electric buses. In 2022, 685 electric buses were registered in the UK, placing it at the top of a 31-nation league table for battery-electric buses. The UK's electric bus market has continued to grow, with 4,932 new bus registrations in 2023, a 45% increase from 2022. As of October 2022, there were 1,724 zero-emission electric buses in operation in the UK, with approximately half located in London. London has been at the forefront of the transition to electric buses, with 1,397 battery-electric buses and 20 hydrogen fuel cell buses operating in the city as of March 2024, making up around 60% of its total bus fleet. The UK government has also set targets for the sale of new, non-zero emission buses, with a proposed end date between 2025 and 2032.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of electric buses in the UK | 1,724 (by October 2022) |
| Number of electric buses in London | 1,397 (as of March 2024) |
| Number of electric buses in Scotland | 273 (as of October 2022) |
| Number of electric buses in Wales | 68 (as of October 2022) |
| Number of electric buses in Northern Ireland | 83 (as of March 2023) |
| Number of electric buses registered in the UK in 2022 | 685 |
| Number of electric buses registered in the UK in 2023 | 4,932 |
| Number of electric buses registered in the UK in 2021 | 3,282 |
| Number of electric buses registered in the UK in 2020 | 9,813 |
| UK's rank in Europe for electric bus registrations in 2022 | 1st |
| UK's rank in Europe for electric bus registrations in 2023 | 1st |
| Government funding for electric buses | Up to £129 million for ZEBRA 2 in 2023-2025 |
| End date for the sale of new non-zero emission buses | Between 2025 and 2032 (under consultation) |
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What You'll Learn
The UK led the European market for electric buses in 2022
The country's ZE bus grant funding has resulted in significant investments. For instance, FirstBus introduced 193 electric buses, the UK's largest electric bus order outside London, at its Glasgow depot. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have also made substantial progress, with Scotland having 273 ZE buses in service as of October 2022, Wales with 68, and Northern Ireland with 83.
The UK's success in the electric bus market can be attributed to reliable subsidies, such as the ZEBRA (Zero Emission Bus Regional Area) subsidy programme. The ZEBRA programme, part of the 'Bus Back Better' national strategy, has been in place since 2021 and has contributed to the country's high proportion of battery-electric and fuel cell buses. As of November 2023, an estimated 4,200 zero-emission buses have been subsidised through the ZEBRA programme.
The UK's electric bus market continued to grow in 2023, with a 45% increase in new registrations compared to 2022. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), there were 4,932 new registrations in 2023, with zero-emission buses accounting for almost half of all new large buses. This trend is expected to continue, with forecasts indicating that Europe will double its demand for electric vehicle batteries by 2035.
The UK's leadership in the European electric bus market demonstrates its commitment to reducing emissions and improving sustainability in the transport sector.
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London's electric bus fleet is the second-largest in Europe
The UK has been a leader in the deployment of battery-electric coaches and buses, with 685 vehicles registered in 2022, placing it at the top of a 31-nation league table. London plays a significant role in this achievement, with approximately half of the UK's current zero-emission buses operating in the city.
The success of electric buses in the UK can be attributed to government initiatives such as the ZEBRA (Zero Emission Bus Regional Area) funding, which is part of the 'Bus Back Better' national strategy. As of November 2023, an estimated 4,200 zero-emission buses have been subsidised through this programme. The UK government has also set an end date for the sale of new, non-zero emission buses between 2025 and 2032, further pushing the transition to electric buses.
London's commitment to electric buses is evident in its plans to have a fully zero-emission bus fleet by 2034, or even earlier by 2030 with additional funding. This transition away from diesel buses is expected to result in a significant reduction in CO2 emissions and improve air quality in the city.
The introduction of electric buses in London began in 2005 with the introduction of hybrid buses, and the first fully electric buses were added to the fleet in subsequent years. As of 2024, London's electric bus fleet stands as the second-largest in Europe, showcasing the city's dedication to sustainability and environmental improvement.
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The UK's electric bus market grew by 45% in 2023
The UK's electric bus market has witnessed significant growth and development in recent years, solidifying its position as a leader in Europe. In 2023, the country's commitment to electrification was evident as the electric bus market expanded by a remarkable 45%. This growth builds upon the foundation laid in previous years, such as the UK's strong performance in 2022, when it registered 685 battery-electric buses, topping a 31-nation league table.
This recent surge in the electric bus market can be attributed to several factors, including government initiatives and funding. The ZEBRA (Zero Emission Bus Regional Area) funding, introduced in 2021 as part of the 'Bus Back Better' strategy, has played a pivotal role. As of November 2023, the government reported that approximately 4,200 zero-emission buses had been subsidised, with ZEBRA 2 allocating £129 million for financial years 23/24 and 24/25. The impact of these initiatives is evident in the rising number of registrations.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reported that there were 4,932 new bus registrations in 2023, a substantial increase of 45% compared to 2022. Zero-emission buses, including battery-electric and hydrogen-powered options, accounted for nearly half of all new large buses. This shift towards electrification is also reflected in the breakdown of new registrations for 2023, with notable increases in minibuses (+18% YoY), solo buses (+52.5%), and double-deckers (+17%).
The UK's electric bus market growth has been so impressive that it has outpaced other European countries. Germany, the second-largest market, registered 835 electrified buses, a 29.3% increase. However, the UK's growth rate was even more impressive, with a 69.3% increase in new e-bus registrations compared to 2022. This trend is expected to continue, with forecasts indicating that China will remain the top market for electric vehicle batteries in 2035, while Europe's demand is projected to double.
The UK's progress in the electric bus market is a testament to the effectiveness of government initiatives, manufacturer participation, and the shift towards more sustainable transportation. With continued support and investment, the country is poised to further expand its electric bus fleet, contributing to environmental sustainability and offering improved transport options for passengers nationwide.
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The UK government's ZEBRA funding programme
The UK government's Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) programme is a funding initiative to support the introduction of zero-emission buses and associated infrastructure in local transport authorities (LTAs) across the country. The ZEBRA scheme is designed to accelerate the transition to a cleaner and more sustainable bus fleet, reducing emissions and improving air quality.
The ZEBRA programme has seen multiple rounds of funding allocations, with the first allocation (ZEBRA 1) taking place in the financial years 2021-2022 and 2022-2023. ZEBRA 1 provided funding for 1,300 zero-emission buses and supported the development of zero-emission bus technology. It also offered valuable insights into the challenges of introducing zero-emission buses and the importance of knowledge and partnership between LTAs and bus operators.
The second allocation, ZEBRA 2, was announced for the financial years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025. This round of funding is expected to provide up to £129 million to support the introduction of hundreds more zero-emission buses and related infrastructure in England, excluding London. The funding is allocated through a competitive process, with LTAs applying for grants to support their zero-emission bus projects.
The ZEBRA programme has been crucial in helping the UK lead the European market for battery-electric buses. As of October 2022, there were 1,724 zero-emission buses in operation in the UK, with approximately half of them in London alone. The UK government has also committed to consulting on an end date for the sale of new, non-zero emission buses, proposed between 2025 and 2032, reinforcing its commitment to decarbonising the entire bus fleet.
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The UK's electric bus charging infrastructure
The UK has been leading the European market for battery-electric buses. In 2022, 685 battery-electric buses were registered in the UK, placing it at the top of a 31-nation league table for battery-electric buses. As of October 2022, there were 1,724 zero-emission (ZE) buses in operation in the UK, with approximately half of these operating in London.
The UK government has set a goal of 50–70% of the new car market being ultra-low emission by 2030 and is considering a 100% zero-emission new car sales goal for 2035. To achieve these goals, the UK will need to have an increasingly comprehensive charging network. Home charging accounts for more than 90% of the number of chargers and 60% of all the charging energy needed, and this is expected to remain the case through 2030. However, increased public and workplace charging infrastructure is critical for a comprehensive and convenient charging ecosystem.
Scotland has been praised for its efforts in ZE bus adoption and its robust fast-charging network, which serves as a leading example for other regions. As of October 2022, Scotland had 273 ZE buses in service. Northern Ireland has also made strides, with 83 ZE buses in service and investments totalling nearly £186 million for 240 zero-emission vehicles and infrastructure. Wales is also working towards achieving a 50% ZE fleet by 2028 and has 68 ZE buses in service.
When transitioning to electric buses, it is important to consider both the vehicles and the necessary charging infrastructure. The most crucial factor when selecting a charger is its charging power and how rapidly it can meet the energy needs of the bus. Most electric buses require more powerful charging options than light-duty electric vehicles, such as a level two charger that can provide up to 10 times the power of a level one charger. These level two chargers typically require higher voltages, such as 208 or 240 volts, and are often hard-wired installations.
To support the installation and deployment of electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), it is important to understand the relevant national codes and requirements. The National Electric Code (NEC) specifies installation requirements, including the need for each EVSE to be installed on a dedicated circuit with a dedicated circuit breaker. Additionally, the battery capacity of the electric buses should be considered, as it should be capable of holding the daily energy needs of the vehicle unless midday charging is an option.
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Frequently asked questions
As of October last year, there were 1,724 zero-emission electric buses in operation in the UK, with around half of these operating in London.
The number of electric buses in the UK has been steadily increasing. In 2022, 685 electric buses were registered in the UK, placing it at the top of a 31-nation league table for battery-electric buses. In 2023, the UK registered 1,314 new e-buses, a 69.3% increase from 2022.
London has the most electric buses in the UK, with 1,397 battery-electric buses and 20 hydrogen fuel cell buses as of March 2024.
The UK government has implemented various initiatives to increase the number of electric buses, such as the Zero Emission Bus Regional Area (ZEBRA) funding as part of the 'Bus Back Better' strategy. The ZEBRA 1 programme was followed up with ZEBRA 2, which allocated a budget of £129 million for financial years 23/24 and 24/25. Additionally, government grants and incentives have contributed to the transition to zero-emission buses, with grants covering up to 50% of unforeseen costs for vehicles and infrastructure.
