Growing demand for zero emission vehicles and implementation of favourable government policies are expected to drive growth in the global electric and hybrid electric bus market through 2020, says a recent report by TechSci Research of Canada, titled “Global Electric & Hybrid Electric Buses Market, 2011-2021’’. It gives a market prognosis by vehicle type and by technology, a competition forecast and an overview of opportunities. Conclusion of the report is that the global market for electric and hybrid electric buses offers a huge growth potential.
Major global economies such as the US, Canada, UK, Germany, France, China, etc., have already deployed a huge number of new buses with electric and hybrid fuel systems. Major factors driving global electric and hybrid electric bus market include rising pollution concerns, rapid developments in transportation sector, coupled with governments across various countries launching initiatives to switch from clean energy buses comprising CNG/LPG buses to zero emission buses. Over the next five years, developed economies offer tremendous potential for incorporation of these high priced electric and hybrid electric buses in their transportation networks.
Leading electric and hybrid electric bus manufacturers across the globe have been constantly working on lowering cost of batteries in order to boost adoption of these buses in various developed as well as major developing countries, globally. Few of the leading manufacturers such as Zhengzhou Yutong Group, BYD, Volvo, Zhongtong Bus, etc., have been expanding their product portfolios and focusing on introduction of various models of electric and hybrid electric buses with advanced features that are specific to a country’s requirements and road conditions. Moreover, demand for these buses is growing for delivering public transport services in various countries across the world. With focus on strengthening public transportation and reducing level of air pollution, government across various emerging nations are likely to deploy zero emission buses in their respective public transportation fleets during the forecast period. Also, with government incentives and subsidy schemes, transport agencies across various countries, have started adding more and more electric and hybrid electric buses in their networks. In November 2013, ZeEUS (Zero Emission Urban Bus System), a demonstration project worth US$ 27.68 million, was launched by International Association of Public Transport. Under the ZeEUS project, the association plans to validate the anticipated positive outcomes of using electric a hybrid electric buses in major economies of the European region by 2017.
“Increasing urbanization and rapid developments in transportation industry across various major countries has contributed to rising CO2 emissions worldwide. Vehicles with conventional fuel systems are among the leading contributors of pollution, globally. In order to counter this issue, governments across various countries are taking initiatives to switch their public transportation systems to zero emission vehicles. This is propelling demand for new energy buses such as electric and hybrid electric buses. Though hybrid electric buses dominate global market for electric and hybrid electric buses, demand for pure electric buses is also anticipated to grow at a robust pace over the next five years, predominantly due to rising demand for zero emission vehicles in developed countries,” said Mr. Karan Chechi, Research Director with TechSci Research, a research based global management consulting firm.