Electric buses have deep historical roots dating back to the late 1800s and early 1900s when electric taxis and trams dominated urban transportation. However, as road infrastructure expanded, the early electric era gave way to gasoline-powered vehicles.
Today, electric buses have re-emerged as vital components in sustainable urban transportation systems. The growing adoption worldwide serves multiple important functions:
- Reducing environmental impacts from transportation
- Improving urban air quality
- Driving technological innovation throughout the transport sector
The resurgence of electric bus technology represents a return to electric mobility, but with advanced capabilities that make them increasingly central to modern urban planning and environmental strategies.
This week, EV Magazine explores the top 10 leading the electric bus revolution.
10 | IVECO Group
CEO: Garrit Marx
Revenue: US$16m
Employees: 36,000
Founded: 1975
IVECO Group continues strengthening its position in the electric bus market with a record-breaking contract for Rome's public transport system. IVECO BUS focuses on zero-emission mobility, specialising in urban, intercity and tourist buses.
A major milestone for the company is its largest electric bus order in Italyâ411 E-WAY full-electric buses for ATAC S.p.A. in Rome. Valued at more than US$315m, the contract includes a 10-year maintenance plan.
Equipped with advanced NMC battery technology and cutting-edge safety features, these buses mark a significant step in Italy's transition to sustainable urban transport, reinforcing IVECO's leadership in electromobility.
9 | Proterra
CEO: Gareth Joyce
Revenue: US$228m
Employees: 935
Founded: 2004
Proterra continues solidifying its position as a leader in commercial vehicle electrification, driving large-scale adoption of zero-emission transit buses across North America.
One of its most significant projects is with Capital Metro in Austin, Texas, where the agency approved the purchase of 26 Proterra ZX5 Max electric buses, with the option for 126 more over five years.
Each 40-foot bus boasts 675 kWh of energy storage and can travel up to 329 miles on a single charge. The initiative supports Capital Metro's transition to a fully-electric fleet, reinforcing Proterra's role in sustainable public transportation.
8 | King Long Bus
CEO: Xie Weigui
Revenue: US$516.6m
Employees: 11.750
Founded: 1988
King Long, a leading Chinese bus manufacturer, has made significant strides in the international market.
One of its most notable projects is a large-scale partnership with Saudi Public Transport Co. (SAPTCO). In July 2011, King Long secured a contract to supply 150 luxury buses worth US$15.5, marking a key milestone in the company's global expansion.
As the first Chinese bus supplier to collaborate with SAPTCO, King Long strengthened its position in Saudi Arabia, where it had already exported 1,200 buses since 2004. The achievement highlights King Long's growing presence in the Middle East's transportation sector.
7 | Irizar e-mobility
CEO: Imanol Rego
Revenue: US$939m
Employees: 3,400
Founded: 2016
Irizar e-mobility has rapidly established itself as a key player in Europe's electric bus market, specialising in zero-emission urban transport solutions. Founded in 2016 as part of the Irizar Group, the company has achieved significant milestones in a short time.
A landmark project for Irizar e-mobility is its contract with EMT Madrid, which supplied 90 Irizar buses. The order, delivered in 2019, brought EMT Madrid's total Irizar zero-emission fleet to 175 vehicles.
With advanced battery technology and fast-charging capabilities, the project reinforces Irizar's leadership in Spain's transition to sustainable mobility and highlights its growing influence in the European electric bus sector.
6 | Alexander Dennis
President & MD: Paul Davies
Revenue: US$2.7bn
Employees: 2,500
Founded: 2019
Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL), a subsidiary of NFI Group, the UK's leading bus manufacturer, continues to expand its zero-emission bus (ZEB) portfolio with its largest-ever electric bus order. In a landmark deal with Stagecoach, ADL will supply 244 next-generation zero-emission buses, including 180 Enviro400EV double-deckers, 54 Enviro200EV single-deckers and 10 Enviro100EV small buses.
These buses will be deployed across England in 2025-2026 as part of the UK government's ZEBRA 2 scheme, reinforcing ADL's commitment to sustainable public transport and its ability to produce up to 1,500 ZEBs annually.
5 | Zhengzhou Yutong Bus Co. Ltd
CEO: Yu Xiang Tang
Revenue: US$3.2bn
Employees: 13,100
Founded: 1963
Yutong, the world's largest bus manufacturer, achieved a historic milestone with its largest-ever electric bus order for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. In a landmark deal with Mowasalat, Qatar's public transport provider, Yutong supplied 1,002 buses, including 741 electric modelsâthe largest single order of electric buses globally.
The project reinforced Yutong's commitment to sustainable mobility. It further follows a strategic agreement with the Qatar Free Zones Authority to establish a KD assembly facility.
By leading large-scale electrification efforts, Yutong is driving the transition to zero-emission public transport worldwide.
4 | VDL Bus & Coach
CEO: Rolf-Jan Zweep
Revenue: US$6bn
Employees: 16,000
Founded: 1993
VDL Bus & Coach has secured its largest electric bus contract with KVG Kieler Verkehrsgesellschaft mbH in Kiel, Germany. The order includes 30 articulated Citea LF-181 and 20 Citea LF-122 electric buses, with an option for 10 more, set for delivery in 2024-2025.
This US$38.8m investment, backed by US$15.7m in federal subsidies, supports KVG surpassing 50% fossil-free vehicles, reinforcing VDL's commitment to zero-emission transport.
With more than 100 VDL electric buses in Kiel, this project cements VDL's role in sustainable urban mobility across Europe.
3 | Ashok Leyland Limited
CEO: Shenu Agarwal
Revenue: US$5.6bn
Employees: 23,000
Founded: 1948
Ashok Leyland, one of India's largest commercial vehicle manufacturers, has played a key role in transforming public transport through major bus projects.
Notable initiatives include the 2011 contract for 700 CNG buses for Delhi's cluster scheme, which supports cleaner urban mobility. In 2012, the launch of the Jan Busâthe world's first single-step entry, front-engine, fully flat-floor busâset new industry benchmarks in accessibility and efficiency.
With buses contributing 30% of its revenue, Ashok Leyland continues its commitment to sustainable transport, focusing on low-emission and electric mobility solutions for the future.
2 | Volvo Group
CEO : Martin Lundstedt
Revenue: US$49.4bn
Employees: 104,000
Founding: 1927
Volvo Group continues to set benchmarks in sustainable public transport with its cutting-edge electric bus solutions. A leader in commercial vehicle manufacturing, it has prioritised electromobility through its advanced Volvo 7900 Electric series, featuring high-performance drivetrains, optimised transmissions and flexible charging options.
Volvo is driving the transition to greener urban mobility to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and a fully-fossil-free vehicle range by 2040.
A major milestone in this journey was the record-breaking order of 157 Volvo 7900 Electric Articulated buses for Gothenburg, Sweden. Delivered to Transdev in 2020, these buses boast 80% lower energy consumption than its diesel counterparts and utilise quick-charge stations along the route, marking Europe's most significant electric bus order.
1 | BYD Auto Co. Ltd.
CEO: Wang Chuanfu
Revenue: US$82.7bn
Employees: 704,000
Founding: 2003
BYD Auto Co., Ltd. has solidified its position as a global leader in EV manufacturing, particularly in the bus sector. A subsidiary of BYD Company, the Shenzhen-based automaker specialises in battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, with operations spanning more than 80 countries.
Committed to zero-emission energy solutions, BYD continues to drive the transition toward sustainable public transportation.
A landmark achievement for BYD was the record-breaking order of 1,002 pure-electric buses for BogotĂĄ, Colombia. Awarded by TRANSMILENIO S.A. through a competitive bidding process, this order represents the largest deployment of electric buses outside China.
Partnering with local manufacturers Superpolo and BUSSCAR, BYD's project set a new sales record and reinforced its leadership in the global electric bus market.
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