The electric bus market across Europe went on to experience an astounding surge when it came to registrations in 2023, having 53% growth in 2023. Overall, 6,354 electric buses were registered throughout the EU27, Norway, Iceland, as well as Switzerland. Interestingly, more than 42% of city buses now go on to operate as zero-emission vehicles. But there is indeed an interesting question that arises as to which countries are actually leading this transition, and which are the ones that are experiencing the most rapid growth.
In 2023, it was the United Kingdom that led the pack of the European BEV market with an incredible 76.1% surge in registrations of electric vehicles, thereby reaching an overall 1,206 new units, which was up from 685 in 2022.
The UK, Germany, and Norway are right on stage
It is well to be noted that in the UK, surprising facts appear to be happening across the industry spectrum: Notably, Wrightbus placed fourth within the e-bus market in 2023, with volumes up 320% from 2022. On the other hand, the joint venture of Alexander Dennis – BYD happens to be the only brand in the top ten that saw a dip in volumes in 2023.
Germany closely follows, with 753 BEV buses registered last year, marking a 29.6% surge from 2022
In continuation of the last spot on the podium, Norway went on to see a staggering 128.2% rise in electric bus registrations, thereby totaling 493 units in 2023. The Nordic country happens to be in good company of the rest of the two fast growing e-bus markets: Spain and Italy, which also experienced notable increases in the registrations of electric buses, with 261.0% and 230.6% growth rates, respectively. These figures go on to demonstrate a growing trend when it comes to electrification in Southern Europe, which is pushed by both environmental issues as well as incentives from the government.
Growing fast: Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Belgium
It is worth noting that 2023 has indeed been quite a booming year when it comes to the Italian market, where after 2,351 number plates were registered in 2022, registrations of buses weighing more than 8 tons hit 4,043 in 2023. The fact is that the growth on 2022 happens to be impressive, at +72%.
However, there were some countries that went on to witness a dip or stagnation within the electric bus registrations. France, which happens to be the largest bus and coach market in Europe, saw a pretty slim slip of 24.2% in terms of volumes, whereas Finland, on the other hand, experienced a major drop of 62.7% last year compared to the year before that.
Two other countries happen to be worth mentioning for their prominent growth rates. Portugal, which saw a 600% increase that was experienced last year with 364 vs. 52, and Belgium with an increase of 309% with 172 vs. 45.
