- The UK’s zero emission bus market, primarily made up of fully electric bus models, remains the largest market in Europe, according to new figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
- 2,523 new zero emission buses were registered in the UK in 2025, marking a significant 62.2% rise over 2024.
- These registrations made up 27.3% of all new buses joining the road in 2025.
UK continues its electric bus expansion
In 2025, the UK recorded its strongest new bus, coach, and minibus market since 2008, with zero emission models making up a significant 27.3% of all registrations. The ‘zero emission’ classification includes a smaller number of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, but is primarily dominated by fully-electric vehicles.
Bus operators across the UK have already set ambitious targets for electrification and decarbonisation, so it’s not hard to see why the UK is leading the zero emission transition across Europe. Nationwide operators such as First Bus are targeting a fully zero emission bus fleet by 2035, with rollout currently continuing at speed. Transport for London, meanwhile, plans to make its bus fleet entirely zero emission by 2030 – less than five years away.
Despite the impressive year-on-year growth, however, it remains the case that over 70% of new buses, coaches, and minibuses registered are still combustion powered. The continuation of funding schemes such as ZEBRA 2, and ensuring that operators can easily install the required infrastructure at their depots, will allow more fleets to confidently make the switch to electric powertrains.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, commented:
“Strong growth in Britain’s bus, coach and minibus market is clear evidence of an industry committed to cleaner, reliable and accessible transportation for all. The substantial increase in the uptake of zero emission vehicles has been enabled by significant manufacturer investment and targeted government schemes, but momentum must be maintained. Upgrading bus fleets can be complex and costly – challenges that industry and government must address together so Britain can maintain its leadership in green public transport and accelerate our journey towards Net Zero.”
FAQ Summary (Powered by AI)
1) Is the UK still Europe’s biggest zero emission bus market?
Yes. New figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) confirm the UK remains the largest zero emission bus market in Europe, led mainly by fully electric bus registrations.
2) How many zero emission buses were registered in the UK in 2025?
The UK registered 2,523 new zero emission buses in 2025, representing a 62.2% increase compared with 2024. These vehicles made up 27.3% of all new bus registrations that year.
3) Are most new buses in the UK now electric or hydrogen?
Not yet. While zero emission buses (mostly electric, with a smaller number of hydrogen fuel cell models) are growing rapidly, over 70% of new buses, coaches, and minibuses registered in 2025 were still combustion-powered. Continued support such as ZEBRA 2 funding and improved depot charging infrastructure will be key to accelerating the transition.
