The latest news from across the pond brings a wave of good tidings for the British bus market. In an astonishing turn of events, sales of new buses and coaches have skyrocketed by a staggering 61%, reaching a grand total of over 1,820 units in the second quarter of 2023. The real showstopper, however, is the fact that a quarter of these sales are now zero emission models, boasting a jaw-dropping 36% increase in demand. This news solidifies the UK as the foremost country in Europe for green buses, surpassing even Italy, Germany, and France in the volume of zero emission bus sales.
What’s fueling this monumental shift, you may ask? Well, post-pandemic confidence among operators has certainly played a role, coupled with generous government support through initiatives like the Bus Fare Cap Grant and funding schemes for transitioning to zero emission models. The UK is steadfast in its commitment to reducing carbon emissions, and buses are at the forefront of this movement. Unlike cars, vans, and trucks, the transition to zero emission buses is relatively straightforward, given their depot-based, circular routes.
However, not everything in the garden is rosy. The adoption of zero emission buses is not uniform across different regions and nations within the UK. Smaller and rural bus operators are grappling with the financial burden of acquiring new vehicles and supporting infrastructure. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has voiced the need for a clear timetable from the government to decarbonize bus fleets nationwide, in support of the country’s net zero goals. Their argument is not only about reducing carbon emissions, congestion, and air pollution, but also about bolstering energy security.
Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of the SMMT, underscored the indispensable role of buses in the UK’s economy and society, serving as a lifeline for countless daily commutes, local getaways, and transportation for schools, charities, and healthcare. He stressed that with the right incentives and infrastructure in place, buses and the communities reliant on them could be the UK’s trailblazers in reaching net zero.
In contrast to the surge in green bus sales, electric van sales took a hit in July, with a 15% drop compared to the previous year, resulting in just 1,415 registrations of both large and smaller models. This fell short of the government’s 10% target for zero emission models. On the other hand, there is a glimmer of hope with zero emission HGVs, which saw a promising 30% increase in sales. However, electric HGVs still make up a minuscule fraction of the overall market, accounting for a mere 0.6% of sales.
In the midst of these developments, the fifth annual Net Zero Festival will be taking center stage on October 22-23 at the Business Design Centre in London. This event will serve as an arena for businesses and individuals to converge and exchange ideas and strategies for realizing a net zero future.
The future of transportation is undoubtedly steering toward eco-friendly alternatives, with buses leading the pack. As the UK continues to solidify its standing as Europe’s largest green bus market, the momentum toward a sustainable and environmentally friendly future grows stronger.
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