Wim Chatrou of Chatrou CME Solutions & Consultancy in the Netherlands has spent a long career in the bus and coach industry. In recent years he has been collecting and analysing various trends in the sector. His most recent research shows how quickly Europe is moving away from diesel sourced power and towards alternative drivelines. One of the most interesting set of findings from a recent study is the changes that have taken place over the last decade.

In 2012, the total market for city or urban operated buses across Western Europe, including Poland, was 9,991 units, of which 1,319 units were alternative or zero emission buses. By 2020, the total market was 13,140 units, of which 7,478 were alternative or zero emission buses. While final figures are not yet published for 2021, the trends are continuing. Ireland has not seen the same speed of change yet, but recent deliveries received by the National Transport Authority (NTA) will bring Ireland closer to European trends.

Year                                                 Total Bus Sales                               Alternative or Zero Emission

2012                                                 9,991                                                 1,319

2015                                                 11,328                                               1,839

2018                                                 11,845                                               3,340

2020                                                 13,140                                               7,478