UK becomes Europe’s largest ZEV bus market
Britain’s new bus, coach and minibus market is growing again after three challenging years, with 4,932 new registrations last year representing a 44.6% increase on the 2022.
According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), buses are also at the vanguard of Britain’s net zero journey, with electric or hydrogen vehicles accounting for a phenomenal 45.1% of new single and double decker bus registrations – almost treble the new car market share.
With 1,159 ZEV buses of all types entering service last year, the UK is now Europe’s biggest ZEV bus market by volume.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive,said: “Britain’s bus sector is recovering strongly, powered by rising passenger numbers and government funding that is finally delivering new vehicles to routes up and down the country. Zero emission buses are on the verge of becoming the mainstay of what is now Europe’s biggest ZEV but market but we need the next round of funding – fast – to put even more on the road. Speeding up licence derogations could unleash demand in the minibus market, helping provide zero emission mass mobility for all with the air quality, carbon emission and wider economic benefits that come with this transition.”
