The complete electrification of transportation is a goal set by the Italian government. As part of this, they aim to add 10,000 electric buses to the transport system of Italy by 2030.
According to the Associazione Nazionale Industria dell’Autonoleggio, della Sharing Mobility e dell’Automotive Digital (ANASIA), currently, there are already more than 2,700 units in circulation.
Moreover, according to a report titled “Elettrificazione dei Trasporti Pubblici Urbani in Italia,” there are 2,781 electric buses in Italy, representing a 140% increase compared to 2021.
To achieve the government’s proposed objective, an approximate average of 1,000 electric vehicles should be added each year.
According to the report, the total nationwide bus fleet consists of approximately 45,000 units.
Of this figure, electric vehicles make up 6%.
It’s worth noting that, in 2022, public transportation in Italy carried a total of 16 billion passengers. Out of this figure, 56% corresponded to buses, 36% to trains, and 8% to trams and metros.
To meet the proposed objectives, it is expected that the electric bus market in Italy will grow at an annual rate of 20% between 2023 and 2030.
To achieve this, the Italian government has implemented the following incentives:
- Subsidies for the purchase of electric buses: Subsidies are offered to public transportation companies that purchase electric buses. These can cover up to 60% of the vehicle’s purchase cost.
- Tax incentives: The government also provides tax incentives to public transportation companies that acquire electric buses. These may include a reduction in VAT and an exemption from fuel taxes.
- Development of a charging infrastructure network for electric buses: The Italian government is developing a charging infrastructure network for electric buses. This network includes both fast and slow charging points, both in cities and rural areas.
Which are the cities with the most electric buses in Italy?
The cities with the most electric buses are Rome, Milan, Turin, Naples, and Florence.
The leading manufacturers in Italy are Iveco Bus, Solaris Bus & Coach, and Bluebus.
However, other brands such as Volvo, Mercedes-Benz, BYD, Yutong, and Scania are also present in the market.
It’s worth mentioning that the electric bus market in Italy is valued at 2 billion euros.
Among the public transportation companies with the largest fleet of zero-emission vehicles are the following:
- Azienda Trasporti Milanesi (ATM Milano), which operates a fleet of over 1,000 electric buses.
- Agenzia del Trasporto Autoferrotranviario del Comune di Roma (ATAC Roma), which operates a fleet of over 300 electric buses.
- Gruppo Torinese Trasporti (GTT Torino), which operates a fleet of over 200 electric buses.
- Azienda Napoletana Mobilità (ANM Napoli), which operates a fleet of over 100 electric buses.
In addition to these, there are smaller companies in Italy that operate electric buses.
For example, the public transport company in Padua, ATP Padova, operates a fleet of 100 units.
Looking ahead to the future plans in various cities:
- Milan aims to have 2,000 electric buses in circulation by 2030.
- Rome plans to have a fleet of 1,500 by 2030.
- Turin is targeting 1,000 by 2030.
- Naples aims to reach 500 zero-emission buses.
What position does Italy hold in the region?
In light of the environmental goals set by various European countries, the electrification of public transportation has become a common regional factor.
According to the report “The European Electric Bus Market 2022” by the consulting firm Chatrou CME Solutions, as of December 31, 2022, there were 10,271 electric buses in operation in Europe.
This represents a 26% increase compared to 2021.
Ranking of European countries with the highest number of electric passenger vehicles:
- Germany: 3,369
- Italy: 2,781
- France: 2,360
- Denmark: 1,514
- Spain: 1,234
Ranking of the European cities with the largest electric passenger vehicle fleets:
- Berlin, Germany: 1,200
- Rome, Italy: 1,000
- London, United Kingdom: 800
- Paris, France: 700
- Madrid, Spain: 600
