Full Breakdown
The Rise of Electric Buses: A Global Perspective
11/2/2025, 1:53:34 PM
Overview of the Electric Bus Market
The global electric bus market is experiencing rapid growth, with projections indicating that electric buses will account for over 60% of global sales by 2030 and rise to 83% by 2040. This shift is part of a broader trend towards zero-emission vehicles, with the global fleet expected to be 86% electric by 2050. In Europe, the market share of EU manufacturers has decreased from 74% to 54% since 2017, while Chinese manufacturers, such as Yutong, have increased their share to 24%. Notably, cities in Latin America, including Santiago de Chile, São Paulo, and Bogotá, are also making significant strides in electric bus adoption, with plans to introduce thousands of electric buses by 2030.
Recent Developments in Slovenia
TAM, a Slovenian manufacturer, has recently revitalized its operations following its acquisition by a Chinese company. On June 14, 2024, TAM Europe launched its hydrogen fuel cell buses, marking a significant step in clean-energy transportation. The company has an annual production capacity of 500 electric commercial vehicles and plans to produce around 100 hydrogen-powered vehicles annually over the next three years. Recently, TAM delivered its first batch of hydrogen-powered buses to Seoul, South Korea, and Vienna, Austria, and supplied 24 electric buses to Paris Charles de Gaulle International Airport during the Paris Olympic Games.
Safety Concerns Over Chinese Electric Buses
Despite the growth in electric bus adoption, safety concerns have emerged regarding Chinese manufacturers. A recent test conducted by Ruter, a public transport operator in Oslo, Norway, revealed that a Chinese-made electric bus from Yutong could be manipulated remotely, raising cybersecurity risks. The manufacturer retains access to the bus's software and diagnostics, which could allow for operational disruptions. Ruter Director Bernt Reitan Jenssen highlighted the potential risks, stating, “We’ve found that everything that is connected poses a risk — and that includes buses.”
Broader Implications of Electric Bus Adoption
The transition to electric buses is not only reshaping urban mobility but also contributing to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. In 2025, Norway reported a 49% decrease in life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions per new car compared to 2000, largely due to its near-total electric vehicle sales and reliance on clean power. Similarly, Shenzhen, China, has seen substantial improvements in urban air quality following the electrification of its bus and taxi fleets.
Official Statements & Responses
Officials from various countries have emphasized the importance of transitioning to electric buses for environmental and public health benefits. The European Union has noted that electric vehicles have a life-cycle CO2 footprint approximately 73% lower than that of petrol cars, underscoring the climate benefits of this shift.
What's Next for Electric Buses?
As the electric bus market continues to expand, several factors will influence its trajectory, including advancements in battery technology, infrastructure development, and regulatory support. The global push for zero-emission vehicles is expected to accelerate, with countries like India aiming to introduce 50,000 electric buses by 2030. The ongoing evolution of the electric bus market will be closely monitored as it plays a crucial role in the broader transition to sustainable transportation.
