Europe, which has experienced a groundbreaking year in environmentally friendly transportation solutions, has announced that 49% of city buses sold in 2024 are zero-emission. If this transformation continues at this rate, it is estimated that all buses on the continent will be electric within five years.

Throughout the year, 49% of city public transport buses sold consisted of zero-emission vehicles. Of these, a significant portion, with 46%, were electric buses, while hydrogen fuel cell buses achieved a smaller share of 3%.

LAWS SHOWED THEIR IMPACT
Behind this transformation are policy initiatives such as the European Green Deal and city-level zero-emission zones. Restricting diesel and gasoline vehicles in cities has directed municipalities and transport operators towards eco-friendly solutions. Experts suggest that if this growth rate continues sustainably, it is possible for all city buses to be zero-emission by 2027. Even more skeptical analysts emphasize that the EU could meet its zero-emission target in public transport by 2030.

COUNTRY-SPECIFIC DIFFERENCES EXIST
Countries like Italy and Spain have been slower to adopt this change, while the Netherlands, Finland, Denmark, and Norway have reached zero-emission public transport goals more rapidly.

In countries like Poland, Hungary, Lithuania, and Greece, the transformation seems to be progressing very slowly. It is believed that financial constraints and infrastructure inadequacies are the reasons for this. Experts predict that these members will accelerate the transformation process in the future by benefitting from EU funds.

CLEANER AND QUIETER CITIES
The proliferation of zero-emission buses not only helps reduce carbon emissions but also contributes to creating a quieter and cleaner air environment in cities. The silent operation of electric buses and the absence of fossil fuels increase both environmental and social benefits.

These developments are considered a successful outcome of Europe prioritizing sustainability in transportation policies. With the decreasing cost of zero-emission buses and improvements in charging infrastructure, the acceleration of this transformation is expected.