UK set to have largest e-bus fleet in Europe

The UK’s electric bus fleet is set to be the largest in Europe by 2024, according to independent advisory firm Accuracy. 

The number of urban electric buses in the UK has increased thanks to investment by Transport for London (TfL).

At the start of 2021, TfL’s fleet featured more than 400 fully electric buses. This included the UK’s first entirely electric double-decker buses.

Around 300 additional zero-emission buses are expected to join the fleet by the end of the year

Across Europe, the number of electric buses is forecast to increase by 198% over the next three years, with substantial growth expected in France and the Nordic countries.

Poland currently has the second-largest fleet of zero-emission buses in Europe, at around 800. The Netherlands and Italy have the third and fourth largest, with around 600.

However, the UK is still forecasted to take the lead, with a predicted 180% increase to 2,800 vehicles by 2024.

Accuracy says Governments across Europe will need to continue to invest and stay on the path to net-zero and help manufacturers hit production targets as passengers return to public transport.

Aurélie Quéromès, Manager at Accuracy said: ‘The pandemic has had a huge impact on public transport across the world, so it is more important now than ever that Governments continue to commit funds to Zero-Emission infrastructure projects.

‘Manufacturers of electric buses may need support in the short term to help restart the supply chain of ZE buses. Therefore, Governments and private investors could aim to bridge the funding gap between operators and manufacturers to ensure they meet climate change targets in time.

‘The growth in UK’s electric bus fleet has been driven by continued Government investment. Many countries are now stepping up investment into their electric bus fleet to meet their Zero Emission targets.’

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