Green bus growth shows why incentives matter

A range of transport options is essential for everyone’s mobility needs to be met, so it was great news that SMMT data published this week shows the number of new buses, coaches and minibuses joining UK roads grew substantially in 2024. Indeed, the highest volume of annual fleet renewal in 16 years is a much needed boost for the sector, still recovering from historically low passenger levels during the pandemic when industry – operators and manufacturers – struggled to stay afloat. Passengers are returning, however, and they are increasingly travelling on the very latest, greenest technology, with UK rollout of zero emission buses (ZEBs) up by a third last year. With 1,570 registered, the UK remained Europe’s biggest ZEB market by volume for the second year running.

It’s a significant success, one that’s driven by impressive manufacturer investment and innovation, as well as compelling incentives for operators. The passenger ultimately benefits as, like the superb driving experience often credited to electric cars, ZEBs offer an enhanced rider experience – more modern, smoother, quieter and cleaner – which will only encourage more ridership. Affordable mass green mobility is the bus sector’s long-term goal and with 17 different ZEB models now available, there is ever more choice for operators. Given the upfront cost of ZEBs and depot upgrades, however, further fleet decarbonisation depends on continuing to provide incentives, which are proven to work.

This week, SMMT also published its annual data on the new heavy goods vehicle (HGV) market, showing almost 45,000 new registrations in 2024. It was the second best yearly volume since 2019, with a slight -2.7% decline compared with a strong 2023 reflecting a normalising market after three years’ growth. What cannot become normal, however, is ebbing zero emission truck uptake, with already fractional volumes – at less than 1% of all registrations – having shrunk last year.

Every new HGV up to 26 tonnes – almost three quarters of the market – must be zero emission from 2035 so creating the right conditions for that to happen is urgent. As such, it will be among the many topics set for discussion at SMMT Electrified 2025, taking place at the QEII Conference Centre in London on 13 March 2025, and we were delighted this week to announce that Fredrik Allard, Scania Group’s Senior Vice President and Head of E-Mobility, will give an industry keynote speech.

Similarly to the bus sector, HGV manufacturers are investing heavily in zero emission vehicles but costs remain stubbornly high. 2025 is being cited as the “Year of the Truck” but suitably ambitious support for decarbonising fleets, including a modernised replacement of the Plug-in Truck Grant which ends in six weeks, will be needed if green demand is to be boosted while the sector keeps a growing economy moving.