Navigant Research Report Shows Sales of Plug-In Electric Buses Increased 40 Percent from 2016 to 2017

Adoption of electric buses expected to be focused in regions with
government funding due to high upfront cost

BOULDER, Colo.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#Buses–A new report from Navigant
Research examines the global market for medium and heavy duty
electric drive buses, providing an analysis of key market and technology
issues, policies, and manufacturer profiles.

In the electric drive bus market, costs of key components such as
batteries, motors, and power electronics are declining thanks to
increasing volume. These improvements are helping plug-in hybrid and
battery electric buses become more viable for fleets, and sales are
poised to grow across all geographic markets through 2027. Click
to tweet: According to a new report from @NavigantRSRCH,
orders for plug-in electric buses have boomed in the past 18 months,
with a 40 percent increase in sales from 2016 to 2017, as the technology
on offer from bus companies has improved in performance and in price.

“Transit agencies are interested in battery electric buses, thanks to
their potential for lower operating costs in addition to having zero
emissions and reduced noise,” says Lisa Jerram, principal research
analyst with Navigant Research. “New orders for electric buses are
growing rapidly, although the transition to battery electric buses will
take many years, as agencies test the technology and bus manufacturers
ramp up production.”

Despite increasing sales of electric buses, conventional engines will
continue to be the powertrain of choice for buses in many markets during
the next 10 years, according to the report. The upfront cost for an
electric drive bus continues to be an issue; thus, adoption tends to be
focused in regions with government support. In all regions except for
China, hybrid buses are expected to continue to capture greater market
share than plug-in buses in the near-term, thanks to the lower price
premium, lack of infrastructure investment, and the wealth of real-world
operational experience.

The report, Market
Data: Electric Drive Buses, analyzes the global market for
medium and heavy duty electric drive buses with the following
powertrains: gasoline hybrid, gasoline plug-in hybrid, diesel hybrid,
diesel plug-in hybrid, battery electric, and hydrogen fuel cells. The
report provides an analysis of key market and technology issues,
regional policies, and profiles of many vehicle manufacturers and
component suppliers. Global market forecasts for annual sales and
vehicle population by segment, country, and powertrain type extend
through 2027. The Excel databook accompanying this report also includes
pivot tables for electric drive bus sales and population by country,
segment, and powertrain type. An Executive Summary of the report is
available for free download on the Navigant
Research website.

About Navigant Research

Navigant Research, the dedicated research arm of Navigant, provides
market research and benchmarking services for rapidly changing and often
highly regulated industries. In the energy sector, Navigant Research
focuses on in-depth analysis and reporting about global clean technology
markets. The team’s research methodology combines supply-side industry
analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep
examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of the
Energy Technologies, Utility Transformations, Transportation
Efficiencies, and Buildings Innovations sectors. Additional information
about Navigant Research can be found at www.navigantresearch.com.

About Navigant

Navigant Consulting, Inc. is a specialized, global professional services
firm that helps clients take control of their future. Navigant’s
professionals apply deep industry knowledge, substantive technical
expertise, and an enterprising approach to help clients build, manage
and/or protect their business interests. With a focus on markets and
clients facing transformational change and significant regulatory or
legal pressures, the Firm primarily serves clients in the healthcare,
energy and financial services industries. Across a range of advisory,
consulting, outsourcing, and technology/analytics services, Navigant’s
practitioners bring sharp insight that pinpoints opportunities and
delivers powerful results. More information about Navigant can be found
at navigant.com.

* The information contained in this press release concerning the
report, Market Data: Electric Drive Buses, is a summary and
reflects Navigant Research’s current expectations based on market data
and trend analysis. Market predictions and expectations are inherently
uncertain and actual results may differ materially from those contained
in this press release or the report. Please refer to the full report for
a complete understanding of the assumptions underlying the report’s
conclusions and the methodologies used to create the report. Neither
Navigant Research nor Navigant undertakes any obligation to update any
of the information contained in this press release or the report.

Contacts

Navigant Research
Lindsay Funicello-Paul, +1-781-270-8456
[email protected]