UK has largest ZEV bus market in Europe

New research from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has found that the UK has the largest ZEV bus market by volume in Europe.

Italy, Germany and France make up the rest of the top four.

New registrations of the latest, greenest buses were up by a third (36.3 per cent) to 424 units during Q2 2024.

The SMMT pointed to net zero commitments from government as being integral to the rise, including England’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Area funding and the Scottish Zero Emission Bus Challenge Fund – helping almost a quarter of all new vehicle purchases to decarbonise in the first half of 2024.

The SMMT commented that buses are now leading Britain's road vehicle decarbonisation, due to a less complex transition than cars, vans and trucks, as buses have depot-based, circular and consistent routes. As a result, the bus fleet could reach net zero before any other vehicle sector.

However, it was also revealed that zero emission uptake is uneven amongst different nations and regions, with smaller and rural bus operators facing challenges to fund new vehicles and infrastructure.

The SMMT report also found that the number of new buses, coaches and minibuses joining Britain’s roads increased by 61.7 per cent to 1,826 units in the second quarter of 2024. These figures account for all vehicles, not just low and zero emissions.

A rise in demand is being attributed to a return of operator confidence following a period of sharp decline during the pandemic, as well as government measures to stimulate demand, notably though the Bus Fare Cap Grant.

Demand for new mini buses almost doubled, up 97.2 per cent. Deliveries of new double decker buses also doubled, with an increase of 100.5 per cent to 387 units while new single deck bus uptake rose by 12.1 per cent.

There was growth across every UK nation except Scotland. Fleet renewal in England  was up 69.6 per cent to 1,557 units, while demand in Northern Ireland rose by more than half (54.8 per cent) to 48 units. Wales saw the largest increase with rollout up more than seven-fold to 116 units after just 12 were registered during Q2 last year. On the other hand, uptake in Scotland fell by 36.0 per cent to 105 units.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: "A boost in uptake of new buses which provide mass mobility across the nation is also a boost for our economy and society, given the vital role these vehicles play – from commuting and staycations to transport for schools, charities and health and social care. At the same time, fleets continue to go green in rising numbers and, with suitably ambitious incentives and infrastructure is in place, buses and the communities which depend on them could be the UK’s first to reach net zero."