In 2024, Chinese manufacturers captured more than one-third of the European e-bus market, thanks to competitive supply and established leadership in electric technologies. With more than 554,000 e-buses on the road and 15,444 vehicles exported, China remains the global leader in the industry. European manufacturers remain significant, but with gradually shrinking shares.
The analysis shows how China is gaining market share in the electric buses, while Europe is struggling to maintain its leadership position because of the increasing competition.
Share on:
With around 682,500 buses in circulation, of which more than 80 per cent (554,000) are electric, China has consolidated its world leadership in electric buses. In 2024, total exports reached 81,820 vehicles, of which 15,444 were electric. Thanks to strong technological leadership and an ever-expanding domestic market, Chinese manufacturers hold more than a third of the global bus market.
China's supremacy in the sector is no accident, but is the result of a combination of strategic factors. Indeed, China is the largest market for electric buses in the world, thanks to the steady growth of its metropolises and the strong domestic demand for sustainable public transport. In addition, favourable government policies have significantly stimulated both the production and purchase of electric vehicles, creating an ideal environment for the adoption of green technologies.
Another crucial element is China's central role in the production of batteries for electric vehicles. Leading companies such as CATL and BYD are developing advanced solutions that not only reduce production costs, but also achieve economies of scale through high production volumes. These industrial advantages have enabled China to dominate the global market and push towards internationalisation, with increasingly significant exports.
In 2024, China exported 81,820 buses, an increase of 16% over the previous year. Electric buses accounted for a large portion of exports, with 15,444 units exported, marking a 28.33% increase over 2023. In December, exports rose sharply, up 47.93% year-on-year, reflecting the robustness of the industry's growth.
China's leading electric bus manufacturers in 2024 are:
- BYD: 3.582 unit exported, +13,79% year-on-year), share of 23% (the leader for the entire year).
- Yutong Bus: 2,700 units, +84,55%dimension 17,4% (moved from the third position of the 2023).
- Higer Bus: 1.897 unit, +49,14%dimension 12,2% (up from fourth position of the 2023).
Together, these three manufacturers account for over 54% of total Chinese electric bus exports, consolidating the country's global leadership.
Main manufacturers of electric buses (2022)
In Europe, the presence of Chinese manufacturers is also growing. In 2022, Chinese manufacturers registered 1,399 electric buses, capturing a market share of 33.7%, a clear sign of their increasing penetration of international markets. Despite this rise, European manufacturers, such as Mercedes, Iveco-Heuliez, Solaris and Volvo, continue to hold their own, albeit with a declining market share. Mercedes, Iveco-Heuliez, Solaris and Volvocontinue to maintain an important position, albeit with a quote in the fall.
Notes:*Data refer to the markets of: European Union, United Kingdom, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland
**Excluding trolleybuses
In conclusion, China is confirmed as the global leader in the electric bus sector, not only because of the size of its domestic market but also thanks to a winning industrial strategy that is conquering the world market, including Europe.
For more, read our analysis on the european bus market
