Bus systems around the world are electrifying, driven by environmental regulations and cost savings. But decision-makers at transport authorities have several electrification options – hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery electric, fuel cell – each with its own set of benefits and limitations.

In a new report, “Medium and Heavy Duty Buses with Hybrid, Plug-In Hybrid, Battery Electric, and Fuel Cell Powertrains: Global Market Analysis and Forecasts,” Navigant Research analyzes the market for electrified buses in each of the major world regions, and forecasts the potential sales of each of the four electric drive technologies,

Navigant predicts that the global market for electric drive buses will grow from about 119,000 buses in 2016 to 181,000 in 2026. The company forecasts that the battery EV will be the leading type of electric powertrain through 2026. Hybrid drive will grow steadily, while fuel cells will begin to enter volume production by the end of 2026. Plug-in hybrid drive is expected to grow until 2020, then see sales drop off.

The report examines key industry players – no less than 21 e-bus manufacturers, from established bus-builders (New Flyer, Gillig) to electric upstarts (Proterra, Wrightspeed) to the Chinese giant BYD.

Source: Navigant Research via Green Car Congress