The European Union saw a significant surge in the adoption of zero-emission buses and coaches during the first half of 2026, with market share climbing to 28.6%. According to the International Council on Clean Transportation, 6,425 units were registered during this period, representing a 50% increase over the 4,295 units sold in the first half of 2025. This growth follows a strong 2025, which concluded with over 11,000 electric bus registrations. City buses led this transition, with battery-electric models capturing over 60% of new registrations in the second quarter, while diesel alternatives dropped to roughly 30%.
The ICCT’s latest market report highlights that approximately 22,600 buses and coaches were registered across the EU between January and June 2026. While zero-emission models have gained substantial ground in the city bus sector, other categories remain more reliant on traditional fuels. In the second quarter of 2026, diesel maintained an 87% market share for interurban buses and coaches, while battery-electric models held 5% and natural gas 8%. Similarly, the minibus segment remains dominated by diesel at 85%, with battery-electric models accounting for 13% and natural gas for 2%.
National performance varied significantly across the continent. Italy emerged as a major player, recording 1,792 zero-emission registrations in the first half of 2026—a sharp rise from 16.6% to 45.4% market share year-on-year. Iveco Bus was identified as the top manufacturer for the period, bolstered by significant deliveries in Italy. Other nations reported even higher adoption rates, with the Netherlands reaching 69.6%, Denmark exceeding 60%, and Romania, Lithuania, and Portugal all surpassing 50%. Conversely, Germany and France recorded zero-emission shares of 15.5% and 12.5%, respectively.
Across the broader heavy-duty vehicle sector, the EU registered approximately 14,300 zero-emission vehicles in the first half of 2026. While buses and coaches currently lead the transition with a 28.6% electrification rate, progress in other segments remains more gradual. Zero-emission medium trucks and vans achieved a 21.1% market share, while heavy trucks accounted for 2.3% of registrations. These figures underscore a clear, albeit varied, shift toward sustainable transport solutions across the European heavy-duty vehicle market.