Germany's E-Bus Expansion Slows Despite Significant Growth Since 2018

A study reveals that while electric buses now make up over 2,600 vehicles in public transit, funding cuts and economic challenges threaten climate targets for 2030.

• The number of electric buses in Germany's public transit fleet has grown from 200 in 2018 to 2,640 in 2023, a thirteenfold increase.
• Projections suggest that by the end of 2025, around 7,400 electric buses—15% of the total fleet—could be operational, based on current plans.
• Battery-powered buses account for the majority of the growth, with other types such as hydrogen and hybrid buses playing a smaller role.
• Federal funding of approximately €500 million between 2018 and 2023 supported 50 projects across 65 transit companies, but key subsidy programs have since been discontinued.
• Experts warn that without renewed funding, Germany is unlikely to meet its goal of making 50% of city buses emissions-free by 2030, with some transit agencies already reverting to diesel buses due to cost pressures.

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