The total value of the project amounts to approximately 33.2 million Euro and represents one of the most significant investments in sustainable public transportation in the region in recent years.

Under the project, the following vehicles and infrastructure will be delivered:

• 41 units of 12-meter electric solo buses equipped with ultracapacitor technology. The buses feature 3 doors, 29 passenger seats, and 1 designated space for a passenger with reduced mobility using a wheelchair.
• 9 units of 25-meter bi-articulated electric buses equipped with ultracapacitor technology. The buses feature 5 double-leaf doors, 55 passenger seats, and 3 designated spaces for passengers with reduced mobility using wheelchairs.
• 8 charging stations with a power output of 400 kW each.

The new vehicles will support the transportation infrastructure during EXPO 2027 and, following the completion of the exhibition, will be integrated into the public transport system of GSP Beograd.

The buses will be equipped with advanced ultracapacitor energy storage technology, enabling rapid pantograph charging at terminal charging stations. Additional charging capability through CCS-2 infrastructure at depot facilities will also be provided.

The planned deployment of the charging infrastructure includes several key transport locations across Belgrade, including:

• EXPO Complex
• Block 20
• Vukov Spomenik
• Block 45

Winning this project further strengthens the company’s position as a leading provider of innovative electric mobility solutions in Europe, and particularly in Serbia, highlighting its commitment to the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly public transportation.

The project forms part of Serbia’s broader strategy for the modernization of transport infrastructure and the transition toward cleaner urban mobility ahead of EXPO 2027.

For more information about the projects and activities of Chariot Motors, please visit our website here.

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Italy is witnessing a real boom — over 1,200 electric buses were registered in 2025, accounting for 30% of the total market and 65% of urban registrations. The Netherlands also recorded growth with over 850 new electric buses in the same year.

Forecasts indicate that by 2030, European roads could host up to 108,000 zero-emission buses and intercity lines, while the global market is expected to reach 670,000 units by 2027, up from 112,000 in 2022. Analysts at BloombergNEF predict that by 2050, 86% of the global bus fleet will be electric, highlighting the ongoing transformation toward sustainable and quiet urban transport.

These figures clearly show that the shift to clean, sustainable public transport is no longer a future vision but a reality that is reshaping urban mobility and driving innovation in transport systems worldwide.

Source: Sustainablebus.com

Chariot Motors e-buses are part of the newly registered buses in the EU including battery and ultracapacitor vehicles. You can find more about our products here.

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What drives the transition? 
The transition toward electric buses is driven by a combination of policy, technology and economics. Governments are introducing stricter emission standards and offering incentives for zero-emission vehicles. At the same time, advances in battery technology are increasing driving range and reducing charging times, making electric buses more practical for daily operations. Lower energy and maintenance costs further strengthen the business case.

Key benefits 
Electric buses deliver multiple benefits for cities, operators and passengers. They produce zero local emissions, helping to significantly improve urban air quality and reduce greenhouse gas output. Their quiet operation lowers noise pollution and contributes to more pleasant city environments. From an operational perspective, electric buses have fewer moving parts than conventional diesel vehicles, resulting in lower maintenance needs and higher reliability.

Challenges and solutions 
Despite the rapid progress, challenges remain. Charging infrastructure requires significant upfront investment, and fleet operators must carefully plan depot and opportunity charging solutions. However, these challenges are increasingly addressed through public funding programs, public-private partnerships and smart energy management systems.

Outlook 
Electric buses are no longer a future concept – they are today’s reality in urban mobility. As technology continues to evolve and costs decline, their role in public transport will only expand. They represent a key pillar in building cleaner, quieter and more sustainable cities.

Source: Sustainablebus.com

Chariot Motors e-buses are part of the newly registered buses in the EU including battery and ultracapacitor vehicles. You can find more about our products here.

The post Electric buses in public transport, trends and future appeared first on Chariot Motors.

Chariot electric bus is 6.8 meters long and has a capacity of 11 seated and up to 21 standing passengers. The vehicle offers an estimated range of approximately 400 km on a single charge and is equipped with one door. The bus features a low-floor design and includes a ramp for wheelchairs and baby strollers, ensuring accessibility for all passengers. For enhanced safety, the vehicle is fitted with a video surveillance system.

The delivery also includes an 80 kW charging station manufactured by Lubinsen.

The new transport scheme will comply with all environmental requirements and will cover as much of the municipality’s population as possible. The electric vehicles will be used primarily within the city of Sandanski, while smaller electric buses are also planned for servicing intercity routes.

According to the Municipality of Sandanski, the new public transport system is expected to become operational around May 1.

Find out more about our project in Sandanski here.

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• From January to September 2025, 6,444 electric buses were registered across the EU — that’s a 49% increase compared to the same period last year.

• If you include the UK and EFTA countries, the number goes up to 9,346 units, a 52% jump year-on-year.

• Electric (and plug-in hybrid) buses now account for 22% of all new bus registrations (for buses over 3.5 tons).

What’s Driving the Growth?

• The overall bus and coach market grew by 3.6%, reaching 28,417 units by the end of Q3.

• Major markets like Poland (+16.9%) and Germany (+12.8%) saw strong growth.

• On the flip side: Italy, Spain, and France saw declines in their total bus markets.

• Despite the electric boom, hybrid-electric buses dropped by 32.7%, and diesel buses — while still dominant — fell slightly in market share.

Country Highlights

• Italy almost doubled its electric bus registrations to 912 units, helped by regional funds and public tenders.

• Belgium saw a massive 389% spike, Sweden jumped 484%, and Austria grew by 71% in electric bus registrations.

• Germany delivered over 1,000 e-buses, but the UK remains Europe’s largest single e-bus market, with 2,117 units registered.

Chariot Motors: The shift toward electric buses in Europe is accelerating quickly. As an innovator in electric mobility, we offer out fast charging UC and slow charging battery electric buses to all private and public transport operators in Europe.

Source: Sustainablebus.com

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The event brought together representatives of more than 30 municipalities from across the country, experts in urban mobility, as well as representatives of financial institutions and the business community. The main focus of the forum was on the challenges and opportunities for developing sustainable urban transport in Bulgaria.

Key Topics of the Conference

• Trends and challenges in parking management in Bulgaria and Europe, as well as intelligent parking management solutions;
• Green policies and innovations for cleaner cities, including challenges and perspectives related to electric vehicles;
• New technologies and regulatory aspects in parking payment systems;
• Traffic control through municipal video surveillance systems and the role of municipalities and businesses in building a sustainable transport ecosystem;
• Challenges and proposals for the sustainable development of the sector;
• Sustainable urban mobility and the electrification of public transport as key factors for reducing emissions and improving quality of life in urban areas.

During the opening session, Ms. Temenuzhka Lyutskanova, Director of the “Ecology and Transport” Directorate at Kazanlak Municipality, welcomed the participants and presented the municipality’s good practices in the fields of parking management and urban mobility.

Chariot Motors participated in the conference as a sponsor, presenting its successfully implemented projects in Europe and Israel, as well as its range of battery-electric buses.

On the second day of the conference, Mr. Ivan Shterev from Chariot Motors delivered a presentation on the company’s current portfolio and offered a comparison between the two energy storage technologies used in its electric buses – ultracapacitor and battery-based systems. He emphasized the advantages of electric buses in achieving sustainable and environmentally friendly urban and intercity transport.

• You can view Ivan Shterev’s presentation from the event here.

The post The Second National Conference of BAPUGM with the participation of Chariot Motors held in Kazanlak appeared first on Chariot Motors.

⚡ In a European Context:

• In 2024, the EU average for zero-emission city buses reached 49% – with 46% battery-electric and 3% hydrogen-powered.

• The Netherlands, Finland, and Iceland lead the way with 100% electric buses in new registrations.

• Bulgaria shares its position with Romania and Greece, where electric buses also account for 67% of new fleet additions.

🏅 Why this matters:

• Cleaner urban environment – electric buses reduce noise and fine particulate pollution, improving air quality in cities.

• Compliance with EU directives – Bulgaria meets the requirements of the Clean Vehicle Directive, which mandates that at least 20% of public procurement be for “clean vehicles” by 2025, and 30% by 2030.

• Improved national image and positioning – while not among the top leaders, Bulgaria outperforms many more developed economies.

🚌 Local examples and ambitions:

• Sofia operates over 60 battery-electric buses and 49 ultracapacitor buses, manufactured by Chariot Motors.

• Burgas has fully electrified its urban fleet with 56 electric buses and a dedicated charging network funded by European programs.

• Plovdiv, Pernik, and Haskovo are launching new projects for over 100 electric buses in 2024.

🧭 Where should Bulgaria go next?

• Accelerate public procurement so that by 2030, at least 90–100% of newly purchased buses are zero-emission.

• Introduce stronger subsidies and tax incentives to support municipal transitions.

• Build smart charging infrastructure integrated with solar energy, following the model already implemented in Bourgas.

The post Bulgaria Ranks 7th in the EU for Electric City Buses (2021–2024) appeared first on Chariot Motors.

🚍 Fleet Breakdown by Type & Charging

Consip’s versatile specifications reflect a full spectrum of public transport needs:

• Minibuses (5 m & 6 m): 70 units, plug-in charging – ideal for last-mile transit
• Midibuses (8 m, 9 m & 10 m): 230 units, plug-in – suited for varied urban loops
• Standard urban/interurban (12 m): 250 units total – 190 city buses + 60 Class II intercity buses, all plug-in
• Articulated buses (18 m): 50 units – 35 plug-in + 15 pantograph-charged for quick top-ups

Why This Matters

• It’s Italy’s latest push—after a 2022 tender for 1,000 e‑buses and a 2023 tender for 500 e- and hydrogen buses
• Aligned with EU climate goals, it’s part of Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan for decarbonizing transport
• Between 2023–2024, Italy’s electric bus registrations surged, doubling market share: by early 2025, e-buses claimed 43 % of the >8 t segment

Peculiarities 

• Charging infrastructure: The tender omits explicit provision operators must fill that gap.
• Cost per unit: With a unit cost nearing €1 million, bidders and observers are expected to scrutinise range, warranties, and operational specs .
• Market impact: This tender could accelerate e-bus adoption across Italy, setting a precedent for other EU nations.

The post Italy opens €650M tender for 600 electric buses appeared first on Chariot Motors.

📈 What’s Coming by 2030?

• Up to 108,000 zero-emission buses and coaches are expected across Europe by 2030, with a rapid scale-up between 2025–2030 (13,000+ vehicles/year).

• In total, around 534,000 zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles (including trucks and buses) are projected, of which:

  • 459,000 will be battery-electric (BEV)

  • 74,000 will be hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEV)

🔌 Technology Trends

Battery-electric technology is leading the charge:

• 59 models of BEV city buses are already available, offering ranges up to 700 km.

• Only 3 electric coach models are currently on the market — revealing a clear technology gap for long-distance travel.

• Hydrogen fuel cells are expected to play a niche role in intercity and long-haul applications.

🏗️ Infrastructure Challenges

The transition demands massive upgrades to Europe’s charging and fueling systems:

• Estimated needs by 2030:

  • 6.5 TWh of electricity

  • 0.8 TWh of hydrogen

• Charging infrastructure is still patchy, especially for heavy-duty vehicles on the TEN-T core network (key trans-European transport corridors).

• Regulatory support, such as the AFIR regulation, sets minimum infrastructure targets for major roads and urban centers.

📜 Policy and Deadlines

The EU’s CO₂ standards are clear:

• By 2030: 90% of new city buses must be zero-emission.

• By 2035: 100% of new city buses must be zero-emission.

• Coaches and intercity buses must reduce CO₂ emissions by:

  • 45% by 2030

  • 65% by 2035

  • 90% by 2040

🚧 What’s Holding Back the Shift?

Despite progress, several critical barriers remain:

• High upfront costs for zero-emission buses and infrastructure

• Grid limitations and slow permitting for charging installations

• Underdeveloped and expensive hydrogen infrastructure

To overcome these, the EC calls for:

• Stronger cooperation between OEMs, fleet operators, and governments

• Financial incentives (e.g. emission trading schemes, road pricing reform)

• Accelerated permitting and harmonized standards across countries

Europe is entering a decisive decade for clean heavy-duty transport. The transition to zero-emission buses is no longer just a vision — it’s becoming a regulatory and industrial reality. But success hinges not just on vehicle supply, but also on building a charging and fueling ecosystem, reforming costs, and aligning market forces.

With a clear roadmap and the right support, Europe’s bus fleets could soon become one of the most visible signs of its green transition.

You can find more on EU projects 108,000 zero-emission buses and coaches by 2030 – Sustainable Bus

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As cities around the world intensify efforts to achieve zero-emission targets, innovative transport solutions are taking center stage. One of the most promising comes from Electreon, a company that delivers wireless charging technology embedded directly into road infrastructure. Rather than relying on oversized batteries and long overnight charging cycles, Electreon’s system allows electric buses to charge dynamically while in motion or during brief stops.

Why Wireless Charging Matters

• Smaller Batteries, Lower Costs
  Frequent opportunity charging throughout the day enables the use of smaller, less expensive batteries. This significantly reduces vehicle weight, improves energy efficiency, and makes electric buses more sustainable to produce and operate.
• Minimal Downtime, Higher Fleet Availability
  Charging at bus stops or traffic lights minimizes vehicle idle time. At Electreon’s depot in Israel, 32 battery-electric buses achieved 99% availability, with virtually no need for backup vehicles — a benchmark in operational efficiency.
• Optimized Grid Load and Renewable Integration
  Distributed, low-power charging smooths out energy demand peaks, helping utilities better manage the grid and facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources.
• Enhanced Passenger Experience
  With charging infrastructure embedded beneath the road, there are no visible cables or plug-in stations. This creates cleaner, safer public spaces and allows electric buses to offer the same level of comfort and reliability as diesel buses — but without noise, fumes, or emissions.

Real-World Deployments

• Trondheim, Norway: Buses charge wirelessly at key stops, even in cold climates and mountainous terrain.

• Tel Aviv, Israel: A fully wireless depot supports the daily operation of electric buses.

• Balingen, Germany: The first public transit route to combine dynamic and static wireless charging.

• Detroit, USA: Electreon’s first U.S. deployment features in-road wireless charging technology.

Electreon and Chariot Motors: A Strategic Partnership

Electreon’s global rollout is bolstered by its partnership with Chariot Motors, a leading European manufacturer of fast-charging electric buses equipped with ultracapacitor technology. Together, the companies are advancing several pioneering projects:

• Smartroad Gotland (Sweden): A 4-kilometer live route using Electreon’s dynamic wireless charging, operated with a Chariot electric bus and truck.

• Balingen (Germany): A Chariot electric bus with a 422 kWh battery runs on a live urban route with embedded wireless charging segments.

• Detroit (USA): Electreon’s wireless technology is integrated into a Chariot bus platform for real-world testing in North America.

The Future is Now

Wireless charging is no longer a vision of the future — it is a proven, scalable, and efficient solution for modern public transport. By minimizing downtime, extending battery life, and eliminating above-ground infrastructure, Electreon is making urban mobility more reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable.

Through its collaboration with Chariot Motors, Electreon is not just demonstrating what’s possible — it’s actively transforming how cities will move in the years to come.

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