Electric Bus Market Size & Share Report - 2034 | Growth Forecast


According to the report by Expert Market Research (EMR), the global electric bus market is expected to witness robust growth during the forecast period of 2025 to 2034. The market attained a significant value in 2024, and driven by rising environmental concerns, favourable government regulations, and the shift towards sustainable urban mobility solutions, it is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 13.60% during 2025–2034. This growth trajectory reflects the increasing adoption of electric mobility as a cleaner alternative to conventional diesel and petrol-powered public transportation systems.
Electric buses offer substantial benefits over traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions, lower noise pollution, and decreased operational costs. These advantages are prompting both developed and developing nations to increase investments in electric public transport infrastructure, thereby fuelling market expansion. Furthermore, technological advancements in battery technologies, electric drivetrains, and charging infrastructure are enhancing the reliability and range of electric buses, encouraging more municipalities and transit agencies to transition towards electric mobility.
Market Size
The global electric bus market has experienced substantial growth in recent years, supported by favourable policy measures, rising fuel prices, and increasing public and private sector investments. The market size in 2024 reflected a sharp rise from previous years as governments across the globe intensified their decarbonisation targets and prioritised investments in sustainable transport. By 2034, the electric bus market is projected to reach new milestones in both volume and value, driven by mass fleet electrification efforts and advancements in energy storage systems.
As urbanisation accelerates and metropolitan cities face rising air pollution levels, the need for eco-friendly public transportation has become more critical. The expansion of charging stations, introduction of ultra-fast charging systems, and developments in wireless and battery swapping technologies are all contributing to the increasing adoption of electric buses. These innovations are expected to enhance fleet efficiency and lower downtime, supporting the scalability of electric public transport networks.
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Market Share
The market share distribution within the electric bus sector is becoming increasingly competitive, with several global and regional players striving to capture a larger portion of the market. China currently holds a significant share in the global electric bus market due to early adoption, government subsidies, and the presence of major domestic manufacturers. However, Europe and North America are rapidly catching up, with stringent emissions regulations, investment in green transportation, and strong support for zero-emission vehicles.
Countries such as Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, and India are making considerable efforts to enhance their electric mobility infrastructure. As a result, domestic manufacturers in these regions are increasing their market presence, while international players expand through partnerships, joint ventures, and localisation strategies. The growing competition is also fostering innovation and cost reduction, which further supports the overall market growth.
Market Trends
Several key trends are shaping the global electric bus market. The rising integration of electric buses with smart city infrastructure is enabling real-time fleet monitoring, predictive maintenance, and route optimisation. This digital transformation is improving the operational efficiency of electric buses and making them more viable for large-scale deployment.
Another significant trend is the increasing preference for battery electric buses (BEBs) over hybrid or plug-in hybrid models. BEBs offer zero tailpipe emissions and align better with long-term sustainability goals. Moreover, the adoption of solid-state batteries and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery technologies is providing electric buses with higher energy density, faster charging capabilities, and longer life cycles.
Public-private partnerships are also becoming more prevalent, as governments collaborate with technology providers and fleet operators to expand charging networks and reduce the total cost of ownership. Furthermore, the entry of new market players with innovative business models, such as battery leasing and vehicle-as-a-service (VaaS), is creating new growth avenues within the industry.
Drivers of Growth
Several factors are driving the growth of the global electric bus market. A primary driver is the growing environmental awareness and global efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Public transportation systems are among the largest contributors to urban air pollution, and replacing conventional buses with electric alternatives is seen as a crucial step toward achieving net-zero emission targets.
Government initiatives and policy frameworks are another major growth driver. Subsidies, tax incentives, grants, and regulatory mandates are being introduced worldwide to encourage the adoption of electric buses. For instance, low-emission zones and congestion pricing in urban areas are prompting fleet operators to adopt electric mobility solutions to avoid penalties and gain operational advantages.
Technological advancements are also playing a pivotal role in market expansion. Innovations in battery management systems, power electronics, regenerative braking, and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technologies are improving the performance and economics of electric buses. As these technologies mature, the total cost of ownership of electric buses continues to decline, making them more attractive compared to diesel counterparts.
Market Key Players
The global electric bus market features a mix of established automotive giants and specialised electric vehicle manufacturers. Key players operating in the market include:
BYD Motors Inc.
Solaris Bus & Coach sp. z o.o
Volvo Group
Yutong Bus Co., Ltd.
VDL Bus & Coach BV
Hyundai Motor Company
Edison Motors Co., Ltd.
Zhongtong Bus Holding Co., Ltd.
IVECO S.p.A
EvoBus GmbH (Daimler Truck)
Others
These companies are actively investing in research and development to enhance their electric bus offerings and gain a competitive edge. Strategic partnerships, acquisitions, and collaborations are also common among these key players to expand their product portfolios and geographical reach.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the strong growth prospects, the global electric bus market faces several challenges. One of the primary concerns is the high upfront cost associated with electric buses and charging infrastructure. Although operational savings and government subsidies can offset these costs over time, the initial investment remains a barrier, especially for small and medium-sized fleet operators.
Another challenge is the limited range and charging time of electric buses compared to traditional buses. Although battery technologies are improving, range anxiety and infrastructure limitations still restrict the widespread deployment of electric buses in long-haul and intercity applications. Additionally, the lack of standardisation in charging protocols and infrastructure compatibility creates operational complexity for fleet operators.
However, these challenges also present significant opportunities. The continued innovation in battery chemistry and energy management solutions is expected to resolve many of the current limitations. The growing focus on hydrogen fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs) also presents new growth avenues, particularly for long-distance and high-capacity routes.
Moreover, the increasing emphasis on sustainability and green financing is opening up new funding opportunities for electric bus projects. International financial institutions, climate funds, and development banks are providing grants and low-interest loans to support electric bus deployment in emerging markets, thereby accelerating global adoption.
Market Forecast
The global electric bus market is poised for sustained growth over the forecast period of 2025 to 2034. With a projected CAGR of 13.60%, the market is expected to witness significant expansion in both developed and developing regions. As governments continue to tighten emissions regulations and urban mobility demands evolve, electric buses will play a crucial role in the transformation of public transportation systems.
By 2034, electric buses are likely to become a standard component of urban transit networks, with widespread deployment across cities, municipalities, and private transportation services. Technological innovations, declining battery prices, and robust policy support will remain key enablers of this growth.
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